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Trust Khosa Lifestyle Correspondent
FAME and fortune are strangers on the local showbiz landscape.
It is a very trending creative’s wish that the two be “Siamese twins” in their life. Sadly, it’s hard to amass both in Zimbabwe.
On the local showbiz landscape, benefactors vie for polished diamonds or established names.
Only a few would take a gamble to invest or pamper raw gems with gifts.
In most cases, it takes ages to acquire both fame and fortune.
This has made the local showbiz landscape a jungle for brave fortune hunters.
In reality, many die trying, only to be appreciated when they are gone.
Such is life in the creative sector where many have toiled tirelessly to acquire riches from the fruit of their sweat.
This could be the case with the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, who toiled for decades only to be rewarded after a long period.
He died moderately rich and his empire is there for everybody to see what the national hero and music icon built over the years.
However, the tables have turned as “silly stuff” is now paying off on the showbiz scene.
It might sound queer or rude to use this phrase, but Zimbabweans are now consuming half-baked stuff.
Not only are they feasting and rewarding mediocrity, but the new trend is taking all the gloss, which used to be celebrated.
Whether it’s luck or mystery, Zimbabwean showbiz followers are hard to please nowadays. You can’t understand what they want or enjoy.
But the bottom line is we are now in the “silly season” where the lucky ones are now benefiting more at the expense of the talented ones.
Social media has created instant celebrities who are now making a killing by churning out “silly stuff” for consumers.
It has become fashionable to see the new breed of “uninspiring” creatives getting ambassadorial roles for something, which does not make any sense.
A social media sensation, Lorraine Guyo, of the “Ndinyengeiwo” fame, instantly comes into mind.
Of course, she has utilised her fame to start a business but in reality, her skits don’t make any sense at all.
Riding on sympathy after she was fired at a leading hotel in Harare, Lorraine appears to have made it through her looks rather than talent.
Without being sexist or unfair, Lorraine knows very well that she has a serious absence of talent.
She is no doubt a lucky lady benefitting from this “silly season” of ours.
Another social media sensation, Nigel the Slick Pastor, recently flew out to the UK by default.
It’s funny how people can easily pamper fly-by-nights of Nijo’s calibre with precious gifts and international trips.
A lucky man in showbiz, Nijo recently told this publication that he has always dreamt of flying to the UK.
“Before my visit here (UK), I did have a dream to be in London. I have always believed I would one day travel the world. I have already done some skits here,” he was quoted as saying.
A lousy actor, who “strangely” commands a following on social media, Nijo is also surprised that he is basking in such glory.
However, some deserving arts practitioners are now reaping rewards for their creative edge.
A fortnight ago, the ZIYA Cultural Arts trio cast — Vharazipi, Chairman and Mbuya Mai John — each got US$10 000 from Wicknell Chivayo for their refreshing skits.
The flamboyant businessman got it right when he rewarded this trio plucked from the back of beyond.
Without fear or favour, the trio is no doubt in all aspects, but luck has been eluding them.
Chairman, who spoke on behalf of the trio, is still at a loss for words after they were given what they consider to be a fortune by Chivayo.
“I see the grace of the Lord and not luck after we got US$10 000 each from Chivayo. We have been in the game for the past 30 years and it is hard to believe that we had nothing to show for it in terms of awards.
“The money we got from Sir Wicknell is the only recognition we have received for all the work we have been doing over the years. On behalf of my crew, I can safely say this is not luck, but God’s grace considering where we came,” Chairman, real name Wellington Chindara.
This subject would mean nothing without mentioning some creatives who are being rewarded for both their talent and innovation.
The most sought-after comedian, Admire “Bhutisi” Kuzhangaira, has every reason to be ecstatic as the entertainer is both talented and professional.
He does his skits effortlessly as compared to others who are struggling behind the camera lights.
This could be the reason why he has become a brand ambassador for several corporate organisations. The same goes for Comic Pastor who is equally talented.
A creative genius in his own right, Comic Pastor makes the simple appear sophisticated.
His ability to articulate issues has made him a darling.
He doesn’t need a script as he does his skits from the head.
Wedding planners can’t be without him as he has vowed to continue doing very well.
As we wrap up this subject of the “silly season”, it’s now known that we have celebrities who are making it out of luck rather than talent.
Online Reporter