WHEN people talk of Enock Chihombori’s productions, the most talked about character is Lazarus Boora, better known as Gringo, who usually plays the main character role.
REPORT BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
The recent production, Gringo Troublemaker has resulted in Blessing Chimhowa, who is popularly known as Mbudziyadhura, becoming another recognisable hit.
For those that have had the opportunity to watch the hilarious comedy, they will concur that the former Dangamvura High School student, exhibited one of his best performances.
Mbudziyadhura started acting at a tender age when he was in Grade Five. He also enjoyed singing.
“Acting was my first choice since primary school and when I was doing my Form Two, I then realised that acting was not just an interest, but a passion,” Mbudziyadhura said.
After school in 1990, Mbudziyadhura found himself joining various acting clubs like Mutare Theatre Company.
He later assisted in the formation of Kushinga Drama Club when he moved from Dangamvura to Sakubva.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Other acting clubs he was involved with are Dynamic Drama Club and Idea One Theatre Club.
“I left Mutare in 1996 and moved to Harare where I continued to pursue my acting career. I then joined the National Theatre Organisation Drama School, where I met and became friends with the late Collin Dube (John Banda in the Gringo series) and Elizabeth Nyamayaro,” he said.
His breakthrough, according to Mbudziyadhura, was in 1998 when he featured in a Softex tissue advert.
“I featured in the advert that also had other big names in the local film industry, like Lawrence Simbarashe, who is popularly known as Mudhara Bhonzo,” Mbudziyadhura said.
In 1999, Mbudziyadhura went on to clinch a role in one of the country’s best films, Yellow Card, where he believed his acting shot up as he skillfully executed his role as a driver.
That same year, he also did the radio version of the same story, Yellow Card, where he provided the voice of one of the major characters, Petros.
Mbudziyadhura hooked up with Enock Chihombori at Screen Talent acting club in 1997.
In 2001, Chihombori then wrote the character Mbudziyadhura in Gringo Ndiani? which made led to his rise to fame.
Following that success, Mbudziyadhura went on to feature in two short Gringo stories the following year titled Gringo-Christmas Presents and Gringo-Christmas Dinner.
The two humorous stories cemented Mbudziyadhura’s position as one of Zimbabwe’s renowned comedians.
In 2003, Mbudziyadhura showcased his talent in yet another Gringo drama series titled Gringo Mari Iripi.
His performance in that film was exceptional and it did not go unrecognised as he was nominated for a National Arts Merit Award (Nama) in the Television and Film Best Actor category.
With his name now firmly embedded in the local arts industry, Mbudziyadhura is now one of the most sought after actors for various productions.
He was engaged in productions like Salome (Hifa stage play), Such Is Life (short film), Unwanted Sexual Advances (short film), a New Start advert and a Protector Plus condom advert.
In 2011, Mbudziyadhura featured in a local film titled Sores of Emmanuel which was produced by Edmore Ndlovu.
Mbudziyadhura has, however, expressed disappointment with the way the film Gringo Trouble Maker has brought him fame and not much reward.
“I don’t get much to put on the table for me to eat. When people see us in streets they label us as failures yet they are the ones that have contributed to our downfall,” he added.
“As artistes, we continue to struggle and one wonders exactly what the future of Zimbabwean filmmaking will be with piracy that has seen others driving cars from our sweat yet I can’t even buy just a shirt from Gringo Troublemaker.”
Mbudziyadhura has worked with some of the prominent film and theatre directors who include Daves Guzha, Leo Phiri and Ben Mahaka On the actors’ side, he has worked with high profiles such as William Matenga, Pretty Xaba and Charles Matare.Mbudziyadhura is the eldest in a family of seven children.
He attended school at Sheni Primary School before enrolling at Dangamvura High School for his secondary education.
Mbudziyadhura currently works for Hifa.
He is single, but has a nine-year-old son.
He derives inspiration from artistes like Fanuel Kapesi, Dumisani Mandimutsa, Friday Mbirimi, the late Safirio Madzikatire and also the late Elisha Ndumiyana.
