×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Kapfupi feels the heat

News
TOP comedian Freddy Manjalima — popularly known as Kapfupi in drama and music circles — is tracing his steps back to street theatre after feeling the heat in the music industry where sungura has taken a severe knock from the rage of the moment, Zim dancehall.

TOP comedian Freddy Manjalima — popularly known as Kapfupi in drama and music circles — is tracing his steps back to street theatre after feeling the heat in the music industry where sungura has taken a severe knock from the rage of the moment, Zim dancehall.

BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA

NewsDay caught up with Kapfupi recently at Mugabe Secondary School in Uzumba where he performed before scores of school children who paid 50 cents to gain entrance into the community hall where he was performing.

“I’m now into both music and theatre, but it depends on the money being paid for the act. For example, if we are paid $100, there is no need for me to bring the 18-member band. Instead, I go for drama,” he said.

Kapfupi stunned the villagers who were anticipating a full band when he turned up with one band member.

Together with other actors including Jeffrey “Aphiri” Chikwesere, Kapfupi brought street theatre to Zimbabwe and made headlines after their comic drama series was televised on Zimbabwe Television.

He then ventured into music and released several albums including Kudya Kunozipa, Munhu Wese and Mai Nga, a dedication to his wife, Precious Kabrito.

He struck a rich vein and earned a decent living through live shows. But as music promoters pursue Zim dancehall chanters’ signatures, Kapfupi and other Sungura musicians’ careers took a severe knock.