Online Reporter
Gift Moyo [email protected]
National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) Outstanding Theatre Actress, Thando Nkiwane, says content creation is no longer just an extension of entertainment; it has become the heartbeat of the creative industry.
The Bulawayo-based actress and content creator, popularly known on social media as Dramatic Miss, believes social media has transformed the way artistes connect with audiences, opening up opportunities for collaborations, brand partnerships and creative freedom.
Known for her witty skits inspired by everyday conversations and relatable social issues, Dramatic Miss has successfully translated her acting talent into digital storytelling, building a loyal online following while maintaining a presence in theatre.
Her rise as a content creator came after she recognised a shift in audience behaviour. Like many actors in the traditional theatre and film industry, she noticed declining attendance at stage productions and screenings. Rather than resist the change, she embraced digital platforms, producing short-form content that resonated with audiences online.
This year, she added an accolade to her growing career after winning the Nama for her role in theatre production, Ipi Ntombi, proving that traditional acting and digital content creation can complement each other.
Reflecting on the evolution of the creative industry, Dramatic MISS said artists can no longer afford to ignore the influence of social media.
“I think content creation is the new normal. You cannot claim to be an artist and not acknowledge that social media has taken over. That’s where you attract most of your audiences, clients, and collaborations. It has become an amazing addition to the industry because it allows you to just be yourself and show the world that you can really create what you want and do what you want.
“It also allows people to either like or not like the work that they see being produced by you,” said Dramatic Miss.
The actress has collaborated with fellow digital creators, including Chik Aljoy, Shammy Moyo, Langa Ndimande and Young Steazy, producing content that has resonated strongly with audiences. She said such partnerships are among the most effective ways for creators to expand their reach, exchange ideas and produce fresh, engaging content.
“Collaboration between content creators is very important. It allows people to watch two different and unrelated creatives coming together to produce a unique piece of work that can only be brought to life by them. It helps boost engagement between creators and audiences.”
Dramatic MISS said collaborations also help emerging creators grow by exposing them to wider audiences through partnerships with more established digital personalities.
“I’ve collaborated with the likes of Shammy Moyo, who has around one million followers across social media, yet I only have a fraction of those followers. These collaborations have helped me to gain more traction as a creative,” she said.
Working alongside other creators, Dramatic Miss said, has also sharpened her own skills, allowing her to adapt to different creative styles while producing stronger content.
“My collaborations with other creatives have helped me to improve my content as a whole. When working on content with other creatives, I allow myself to become versatile and work in a way that complements the skills of the person that I’m collaborating with,” she said.
Many will remember Dramatic Miss from this year’s Nama Awards held in Harare, where she proved that creating opportunities is just as important as waiting for them. Her defining moment came when she won the Outstanding
Theatre Actress award. Knowing many in the audience were unfamiliar with her, considering she was from Bulawayo, she turned her acceptance into a memorable introduction.
“Zvekuti hamundizive zvenyu ka, nhasi matondiziva. Ndinonzi Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane. I come all the way from Bulawayo, koNtuthu ziyathunqa,” she declared, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Her performance on Ipi Intombi may have earned her the award. Still, it was her ability to read the room and command the stage that ensured she left a lasting impression, a reminder that in the arts, talent and timing are everything.
Nkiwane, who is also an arts administrator, serves as chairperson of the Zimbabwe Theatre Association.
