LOCAL artistes have to eke out a living by turning to odd jobs whenever their preferred profession fails to bring food on the table.
Report by Jairos Saunyama
Zimbabwe has seen it all when actors and actresses try other things after realising that the local film industry is not paying.
Street comedian Freddy Manjalima, better known as Kapfupi, left First Street Mall for the guitar while the late Studio 263 star Nevernay Chiyangwa (Muwengwa) became a musician with comedian Lazurus Boora aka Gringo now a salesman.
Hillary Indi, who plays the role of James in local soap Studio 263, has also become one of Zimbabwe’s top fashion designers.
He is also a wedding choreographer and an events manager. The dreadlocked lanky artiste has since 2003 designed gowns for popular models in Zimbabwe.
“I have been a fashion designer for a long time and this has been my source of income. “I have designed gowns for a number of models in and out of Zimbabwe. I have also done designer suits for grooms and their parties.
“Most of my designs especially on models make history,” he said. Indi is the man behind the winning gown that Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2010 Samantha Tshuma wore as she was crowned queen.
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“I was really elated when Samantha made history in 2010 in a gown I made with my own hands. During that event, I had six other contestants who wore my designs.
“Before Samantha, I designed former Miss Zimbabwe Cynthia Muvirimi’s contest nightwear and she also made it.
“Other models who wore my designs include Miss Harare 2010 Samantha Dika and her princess. Karina Lynn Williams and many others,” he said.
Indi, who confessed he is doing well outside the world of film, said he will not quit acting.
“I have a tight schedule as I am also an events manager and choreographer, but I will not quit acting.
“Acting is passion-driven while other things are professional,” he said.
