Chronicle Editor
Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Correspondent
It was an ordinary day for Zambian actress Katonga Mutale (20) as she went about her regular routine of browsing social media when she stumbled across a casting call for the Zimbabwean television series Intab’enkulu.
Her gut told her that she was the right person for the job. Despite the fact that the film was being shot in Zimbabwe, a country she had never visited, her instinct encouraged her to go for it.
She travelled all the way from Copperbelt, Zambia, to Mashava, Zimbabwe, to audition for a position she had no idea she would get.
The young actress, who first appeared on television screens through modeling and music videos, made bigger leaps this year when she landed a role in the Zambian film Onajoma, directed by America’s Diemiruaye Deniran.
As she continues to surge on her path into the entertainment industry, Intab’enkulu feature becomes her second television appearance.
Speaking to Chronicle Showbiz from her Zambian base, Katonga said coming to Zimbabwe when she did not know anyone was a sign that the role was hers and destiny was driving her to the country.
“It was just an ordinary day when I was on social media when I suddenly came across this call for actors for television series in Zimbabwe. Something in me just told me that the role for a school girl was just befitting. So, I gathered the courage to travel to Zimbabwe even though I had never been there before and I also did not know anyone.
“I got to know about the series three weeks before the shoot and I decided to try my luck and fortunately I managed to step into the position. I travelled from Copperbelt to Lusaka, about five hours, and from there to Zimbabwe, about eight hours. It was my first time to come to the country and I can say that the courage that I had when coming here was a destiny-driven one,” she said.
Katonga said she grew a love for the entertainment industry at a very tender age.
“Growing up I always had an interest in the entertainment industry through my first passion for modelling. I have always fancied the film industry. Being a Zambian citizen, it’s hard to find work in the entertainment industry but I strive hard that is why I find myself doing what I like.
“I got my first supporting role in a movie called Ojanoma written and directed by an American producer, Diemiruaye Deniran. This is what opened a lot of doors for me.
“I have always been a model and doing music features. So, taking a step into acting was big for me, especially since both films successfully premiered in the same year. This is just a stepping stone. I am yet to do more acting,” Katonga said.
She said she had a great experience working in the country despite challenges in weather adaptation.
“My experience in the Intab’enkulu television show was great. I received great support from the cast and the directors. I loved my role as Chimwemwe because she is what brought me here. If it wasn’t for her I don’t think that I would be in Zimbabwe.
Although I can’t say that I can relate to the character, it was nice. The only challenge that I faced was the weather because this place is so cold but I believe it’s something that I can handle. And most of our shots were shot when it was raining and we were at the mountain.
“Given another opportunity, I would definitely come back to Zimbabwe. My experience was really great. I managed to travel as much as I could during my stay. The premiere tour, which started in Mashava, then Harare, and eventually Bulawayo saw me travelling to the two biggest cities of Zimbabwe. It’s a beautiful place that I would love to work in again. I can now speak and understand Shona,” she said.
Intab’enkulu will start airing on Zimbabwe Television Network on a date to be announced. – @SeehYvonne
Online Reporter