Zimpapers Logo

that used to keep us entertained in the city of Bulawayo.
On TV and radio it was the same, they would be mentioned so many times to the extent that even a kindergarten child could memorise their songs and names.
They were perceived as “rich and famous” but in actual fact most of them struggled and had to knock down a few walls to be where they were.
They loved wallowing in the media, boasting of their fame but when that fairy tale dramatically ended, they shunned the limelight they once basked in.
Could it have been fame that got into their heads?
Here is a list of “famous” local celebrities that have gone into hiding.
First is former Pax Afro lead vocalist, Yulith Ndlovu.
The once shining star seems to have hung up the mic and is earning a living as a waitress at a city café.
Although she failed to pitch up after arranging several appointments with this reporter, she later revealed on the phone that she had devoted her life to God’s work, perhaps indicating that she would not pick up where she left off in the music industry.
She was spotted, clad in her yellow uniform T-shirt, pair of jeans and sneakers, serving drinks and meals to customers at Connect Café situated at Haddon and Sly in the city.
“I have devoted myself to full time ministry and I’m doing God’s work,” she said.
Then we have former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, Lorraine Maphala.
She has been seen several times in the city driving a rusty and battered old vehicle at times with her baby strapped on her back.
When she first waltzed onto the industry as a prodigy, she made it big, and had so much going for her at that time. She was on the cover of magazines and posters.
She was also the face of the now defunct Strides Modelling Agency, which sunk into oblivion with its founder, Sipho Mazibuko, a few years ago.
Mazibuko has also vanished from the face of the earth and with no trace.
Another celebrity in the same category is Eric Moyo who was the 2008 M-Net Africa Idols winner and a finalist in the 2006 season of the CBZ A-Academy.
This Afro-flaunting man made headlines after clinching US$80 000 as prize money in a Southern Africa talent search competition that was held in South Africa.
He received so much criticism from church members after he released a debut music video, which was broadcast on a 24-hour music station, Channel O.
Perhaps that is what led to his demise?
As part of his prize he secured a recording deal in South Africa but unfortunately never made an impact in the music industry after that.
Eric was reported to have given some of the prize money to his church as tithe.
With US$80 000 in hand it is understood he failed to even buy himself a car and has also been spotted walking around the city.
He has failed to live up to his name and he too avoids the media by all means.
Not only celebrities who made their names in the entertainment industry that have disappeared into oblivion but there are also some who made it big in sports and other sectors too that have vanished from the radar.
Nhamo Rusamo, a former Zifa board member and a businessman has fallen on hard times.
Last year he had his property attached and auctioned by the Deputy Sheriff for unsettled bills.
Then comes former Zimbabwe Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs skipper, Rabson Muchichwa, who was reported to be working as labourer in South Africa.
Muchichwa fell on hard times and it is said he barely makes enough to cater for himself and can’t even raise money to come back home.
Francis Shonhayi is another football player who went to South Africa and played some of the best football of his career but died a loafer and when he finally passed away in South Africa, the likes of Zvenyika Makonese and other Zimbabweans had to help repatriate his body to Zimbabwe.
Then there are a few that could have altered their lifestyles to fit in with the rest of the world as “normal” citizens.