Studio 263 to mark nine years in style

soap opera that captured the imagination of an entire nation, first aired on ZBC-TV on September 2, 2002 and to commemorate its launch, producers have decided to throw a big party in the resort town of Kariba.

The yatch courtesy of Zambezi Trader, a leading boat and ship cruise service provider, will play host to some of Zimbabwe’s A-listers in show business at the launch.
The cast and crew will also be treated to high-end cognacs, rum, ciders and finger-licking eats on the house.
But the festivities will not end there as producers have decided to shoot a special episode to mark the launch in style.

Just to whet your appetite, the episode will see firebrand lawyer Wakanaka (Charles Kapfupi) tying the knot with his longtime sweetheart Sakina (Amanda Mugoni).
Over the years Studio 263 has grown from a cheap drama to high-quality soapie production that has groomed scores of actors and actresses.
So popular was the soapie that it provided fodder for the media that preyed more on the behind-the-scenes rather than the front of the camera action.

Names like Denzel Burutsa, Tendai Chakanyuka, Anne Nhira, Tendai Mavetera, Kizito Mawoko, Charles Kapfupi, Pretty Xaba, the late Nevernay Chinyanga and Ben Mahaka have all become household names after their stints on the soap.

Godwin Mawuru, the executive producer of the soap, was happy that the soap was well received in Zimbabwe.
“Looking back it’s not been easy since we made our first episode. There have been so many actors and actresses that have passed through Studio 263.

“For that was a remarkable achievement and there are going to be more actors in future who would have passed through the soap although it has been a challenge,” he said.
Mawuru reiterated that the soap had is fair share of challenges saying that they were living hand-to-mouth.

“One of the biggest challenges is sponsorship, yes PSI did their part but now it is up to the corporate to take it further in terms of funding the production of the soap. That way, we will be able to develop the story further.

“Of late, we have been surviving from hand-to-mouth and that does not augur well with what we what to do with the soap. This is why we have reflected on several themes including tourism, agriculture and everyday life not forgetting HIV and Aids,” he said.

Mawuru called on sponsors to chip in and be proud of the Zimbabwean production. He said they have since started recruiting students from the film school and those studying cosmetology from different colleges for attachment on the production.

He, however, said he was happy with the responses from viewers and the criticism that shaped the soap for the better.
Some of the criticisms of the soap include the never ending themes and the tendency to dwell on problems all the time as if life was all about problems.

Despite all these criticisms, Studio 263 has talented scriptwriters and excellent camera work.
Studio 263 does not only appeal to Zimbabwean audiences but also across Africa as it now airs on DStv’s AfricaMagic Plus channel.