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Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Correspondent

Memory Kumbota, an award-winning veteran director who ventured into the theatre profession as a youth in the 1980s, now chronicles a milestone in a rocky route but believes he is still developing strength in the industry.

 The actor and director, who is preparing for a performance of the play Amacala for Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo this Friday, said he has too many projects to list.

“I’ve always worked in theatre, film, and television since the 1980s and I can say I’m still growing strong. As of now, I have an acting role in Usendo for 3Ktv and Intwasa’s Amacala on YouTube. I’m also directing a stage show of a one-hander by Zenzo Nyathi called An Act of Man which will be hosted by Intwasa on Friday,” Kumbota said during a catch-up interview.

 He said although his last acting role was in 2017, he is still growing strong in theatre.

“In theatre, my last acting role was in uMbiko kaMadlenya in 2017. It was written and directed by several award-winning and nominated theatre producers. I was involved as an actor and director. 

“My recent work is as one of the lead actors in Multimedia Box’s Bazukuru comedy series which is notably the first Zimbabwean series on Amazon. I’m always active really and my projects are too many to mention.”

 He said the Bazukuru experience was great as he worked with a good crew and team of actors, among them Zenzo Nyathi and one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic young actresses, Musawenkosi Sibanda. 

Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo

 Nurturing young talent, Kumbota said has become his hobby as he also learns from them.

“Being a veteran and a trainer, one of the great experiences is working with young talent and talent that either one trained or workshopped in the past or those that you guide as you work. They have great energy and sometimes, it really stretches you such that they make you better,” he said.

 He went on to advise up-and-coming artists in the industry that every project is a mark of growth even though they are sometimes unrecognised or criticised.

“Do as much work and take your craft seriously. Study your craft. Learn as much as possible. Every project is a mark of growth no matter how criticised or ignored. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step so no effort is insignificant. 

“The future is bright. Remember we started when there were no video streaming platforms, no multiple TV channels, and no internet television, but today we are here,” he said. – @SeehYvonne