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Melissa Mpofu, Showbiz Editor
Up-and-coming Pretoria-based comedian, Baba Tencen’s talent has caught top businessman — Wicknell Chivayo’s attention simply because the two have something in common — flamboyance.

While Wicknell brags about his flashy life and top-of-the-range vehicles, Baba Tencen on the other hand enjoys showing off with his loaf of bread and two-litre Coca-Cola bottle as well as the fact that he gets paid for basically relaxing in South Africa.

Yesterday, Wicknell posted on his Facebook fan page that he was looking for Baba Tencen as he ‘really’ likes him and wants to have lunch with him.

Using the comedian’s slogan Hapana zvaungambondiita (there’s nothing you can do to me), Wicknell posted that he was urgently looking for the comedian as he also wants to give him R100,000.

“Hapana kana zvavangandiite . . . I really like this Baba Tencen guy but I don’t know where to find him. Someone please help me with his number,” said Wicknell.

“He’s the only sensible comedian we have in Zimbabwe. If anyone knows him or where he lives in South Africa please tell him Sir is desperately looking for your mobile number because he wants a picture with you and wants to have lunch with you.

“As my number one celebrity, I’m ready and willing to pay him R100,000 in hard cash the day I meet him or transfer it into his South African account. Now, please help, where are you Baba Tencen and hapana zvavangandiite.”

Minutes after Wicknell had put up his post, Baba Tencen’s followers provided their icon’s SA mobile number. By midday yesterday, Wicknell had got in touch with Baba Tencen.

“Wicknell called and we spoke. He said we needed to arrange where the meeting would be conducted and whether he’ll come down to South Africa or I come to Zimbabwe,” said Baba Tencen who has ventured into comedy full-time.

He said he was now waiting on Wicknell and revealed plans to use the R100,000 to boost production for his comedy clips.

“Currently, I’m just a comedian doing nothing so this money will go a long way in the production of my comedy clips. Production is still on a small scale so I’ll use it to boost my career.”

The comedian who from working at a resort in Pretoria changed jobs to work for a bowling club said he owed his success to fans and his new manager — Joe Tendai whose tremendous support has seen him rise to stardom.

Baba Tencen rose to fame a few years ago after the release of a clip — Kuripwa Kugara in which he bragged that life in South Africa was all rosy as he was paid for sitting all day long, guarding his employer — Forever Resort’s premises in Pretoria. Ever since, he has been recording three to four minute video clips which have been received well by members of the public.

“When I worked at Forever Resorts, I was really getting paid for relaxing as my job was to ensure that things there were well maintained and functioning properly. I’d the right to sleep if I wanted,” Baba Tencen laughed.

It was this boredom that led him to shoot the Kuripwa Kugara clip which has opened many doors for him.

He is hired for various corporate events, church functions, weddings and club performances.

“After the success of Kuripwa Kugara, I produced DVDs which I sold at Bosman Taxi Rank in Pretoria. It was only after I met Joe Tendai that I started getting connected and recording professional clips. Tendai is a professional photographer so we edit the clips at his office.

“He also runs my Facebook pages and is always on the ground securing gigs for me.”

“Now, I get paid to fly as people world over invite me to perform in different places.”

Through Tendai, Baba Tencen recently met South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, Harare Mayor — Bernard Manyenyeni as well as top actor Luthuli Dlamini.

He also recently clinched an endorsement deal with Doves for its Zororo/Phumulani Funeral Plan in South Africa.