The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
IRRECONCILABLE differences that led showbiz and street theatre icons, Freddie “Kapfupi” Manjalima and Jeffrey “Aphiri” Chikwesere to separate more than a decade ago seems to have been settled, The Weekender has learnt. The two comedians have built bridges and Aphiri features on Kapfupi’s new drama series, Kapfupi News released recently.
The duo teamed up in the late nineties to form a drama club, True Vision and released a comic-drama series, Magariro before they went separate ways and vowed never to reunite again. Kapfupi News is a hilarious drama that tackles on social issues that affect people’s day-to-day lives in their quest to get rich, powerful and famous.
The comic Kapfupi features as a well-dressed news anchor with a gentle tone who presents topical stories in an amusing and unique way.
The inclusion of the mischievous Aphiri adds splendour and reminds many of the duo when they used to rock Harare’s First Street. Kapfupi’s sidekick and gap-toothed Charles “Marabha” Mirisi, Justice “Majisa” Mushorananga and Precious “Mai Nga” Kabrito also feature on the DVD.
The DVD also features Kapfupi’s songs, Sadza Nezondo and Toothbrush off the album Toothbrush released last year. The 37-year-old comedian-cum musician and wife popularly known as Mai Nga were on Monday mobbed by restive fans who jostled to catch a glimpse of the couple in Mutare’s Central Business District and Sakubva.
Scores of people could not have enough of him and begged to have a photo shoot with him.
“Yes, Aphiri features in the new drama series and it is a great development. He came to us asking to be part of our new project and we accepted. We believe this will help him to revive his waning acting career. He features prominently,” he said. He said he was in the eastern border city to market his new baby. “I am here to meet my fans in Mutare and market my new project. I learnt that I have been starving my fans out of Harare.
We have received overwhelming response from our fans and it is encouraging. In our drama series, we decided to conscientise people about issues that affect them in a comic way.
These include betrayal, the love of money and challenges that come with obsession to riches. We believe our presence today could make a difference and boost our sales. We also intend to counter piracy by selling these DVDs for a dollar,” he said.
The Orchestra Ndozvo front man’s hit song, Mai Nga, won the song of the year award at the 2010 National Arts Merit Awards.“I am managing music and acting very well. My wife has been very supportive. I market my drama series’ wherever I perform,” he added.
Kapfupi attended Raymondale Primary and Domboramwari Secondary schools before he dropped out of school in Form Two to take up menial jobs such as herding cattle to earn a living.
His previous drama productions include, Dindingwe Rinonaka Richakweva Rimwe, What Goes Around Comes Around and Varume Murimbwa Dzevanhu.
He has stood still in the wake of talented and seasoned competitors such as David “Sabhuku Vharazipi” Mubaiwa, Lazarus “Gringo” Boora and Lloyd ‘Mabla 10” Kurima.
