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ZIMBABWE INESTAYIRA CONTESTANTS

Bekezela Tshuma Showbiz Correspondent
WHEN the Zimbabwean reality TV show, Zim Inestayira was broadcast on local television in December last year, it got rave reviews with many saying it was Zimbabwe’s version of Big Brother Africa (BBA).
The reality show which showcased the diverse lifestyles of Zimbabweans premiered on ZBCtv in December 2013. It was expected to last 13 weeks but only lasted one week.

The reality show saw organisers scouting for contestants who were then supposed to be filmed while travelling around the country on a bus.

Unlike BBA where housemates are filmed in a house, Zim Inestayira had busmates as their show was filmed on a bus.

The busmates were only recorded once when they were travelling to Lake Chivero.

Afterwards, they were meant to visit various tourist destinations such as the majestic Victoria Falls and Nyanga, but that never happened.

The reality TV show, which had become a favourite, particularly among the youths, is now off the screen.

A better part of the country is still questioning what might have happened to what seemed like a success story for Zimbabwe’s entertainment sector.

Zim Inestayira director Jerry Makawa said the show did not run its course because of lack of funding.

“The project is on pause. The market does not have the money to pull the idea off. We were getting funds from some sponsors but they could not sustain it because it needed a big brand behind it,” he said.

Despite the programme’s failure to meet its requirements, Makawa was proud of it, saying it was a show that represented what Zimbabwe takes pride in.

Makawa further stated that he was not ready to give away the Zim Inestayira concept but he was instead looking for sponsors.

“Zim Inestayira is a huge and brilliant idea. We cannot let it go. We are having talks with potential sponsors for the programme to resume.

“The programme showcases Zimbabwe tourism and this is where the youths get in touch with the Zimbabwean heritage. It will be back soon,” he said.