Flamboyant businessman Philip Chiyangwa is never short of surprises. Following his debut appearance in "The Gentleman", it appears the overtly flashy businessman now wants to spread his tentacles into showbiz full time. Arts and Entertainment Editor Ruth Butaumocho(RB) caught up with Chiyangwa(PC) to speak about his life, business interests and political future and, of course, his recent new baby - showbiz.
RB: In the last few years, you have been unusually quiet; can you tell us what you have been up to?
PC: I have been refocusing my whole life and paying attention to family, given that I am now a grandfather and needed to get closer to God as well.
RB: Following the dollarisation of the economy, there have been a lot of fundamental challenges in the economy, where a lot of people are actually saying life is much more difficult now in the era of the US dollar than when people where using the local currency. Putting it in the layman's terms, some people are saying it has been difficult for many to lay their hands on the dollar. How have you managed to stay afloat?
PC: I have been refocusing my whole life and paying attention to family, given that I am now a grandfather and needed to get closer to God as well.
RB: Following the dollarisation of the economy, there have been a lot of fundamental challenges in the economy, where a lot of people are actually saying life is much more difficult now in the era of the US dollar than when people where using the local currency. Putting it in the layman's terms, some people are saying it has been difficult for many to lay their hands on the dollar. How have you managed to stay afloat?
PC: Financial challenges should not be mental challenges, it is indeed a time to build true value and extend the same given the prevailing sanctions mode which has given rise to serious innovations which I am champion. The situation bedevilling Zimbabwe requires constant innovation but thanks to the same, we are not victims of the economic contagion which naturally comes with full economic engagement, a case in point is that of the eurozone crisis. By the grace of God, sanctions have saved us from carrying other people's problems like what most countries are doing.
RB: You are a renowned businessman, who is into property, car hiring and a host of other things. You recently revealed that you now want to get involved in showbiz. What inspired you to venture into the arts?
PC: I am a product of the arts and culture industry, in fact business is showbiz, the difference is in how it's presented and perceived, sitting where I am, Oliver Mtukudzi, Sulumani Chimbetu are as good as Denzel Washington, Chris Brown and Philip Chiyangwa. We are all brands in business. Arts is a platform to shine, transform and space for mass interaction and transaction.
RB: I believe that it was in the locally produced movie, "The Gentleman" that you made a debut in film production. What has been the response from the public, especially those who had an opportunity to watch the film?
PC: The response is overwhelming and humbling. As you know I featured briefly but had an impact role that gave appetite to fully explore more opportunities.
RB: You recently announced that you will be appearing in yet another movie, "Mr Roger's Big Score", which can best be described as the sequel to "The Gentleman", can you tell us more about your role and how far you have gone with production?
PC: I am the real "Denzel Washington" not "Ticky" and this is destined for an Oscar nomination cast out in Zimbabwe and South Africa, it's to show you an action-packed, true-crime movie. We will be on location dependent on weather this festive season period, but that should not be a problem since Zimbabwe boasts the best climate in the world.
RB: Still on that issue, how much money have you sunk into the production of the film?
PC: We have and are still seeking enough resources to ensure that quality and storyline is world class - you know if you want to be "Denzel" do it the Denzel way, no expenses should be spared. Hazvidi zvechinzara nzara!
RB: But Comrade, those in the know will attest that the arts industry in Zimbabwe does not pay. It surely boggles my mind, why a businessman of repute like you would want to spend hours, reading a script and hours in front of rolling cameras, at a time you should be making money and attending to important deals?
PC: Value is what you bring to the table. The fact that I am doing this should be enough affirmation that it is something worthwhile and valuable. Inga munondiziva handiite magame ecent cent. Leadership is about overcoming fear, in other words, fearless people are true leaders, and this is exactly what I am trying to do.
A good name is better than riches, going by your doubts, I will go into my mansion and be chauffeur-driven in my Rolls Royce. Meanwhile drive past many who have nothing and continue to acquire serious education which thus without those who take the lead see lives wasted and do not create opportunity, which if not created can lead to destruction of living standards (the destruction of my property, because of anger which is driven by mere denial of access to the same people)
You know as I do that, the arts industry has many graduates who partake media studies, film production, theatre and so forth. These people now need a serious and viable platform to express the talents like what has happened in India (Bollywood), USA (Hollywood), in Zimbabwe we have to have our own identity. Success means different things to different people, in this instance my success is through creating access for others, in fact true and sustainable prosperity should be a rising tide that lifts all Boats. Kana tasumuka, ngatisimuke tese !
RB: There are also schools of thought, which are saying that your involvement in the arts sector is a way of boosting your political career following your re-admittance into Zanu-PF a few weeks ago. What is your take on that one?
PC: My political career needs no boost, when I should run for any office, it will be the spirit of national service in giving back to a country that has given me so much more. Remember, I successfully ran for public office as MP for Chinhoyi in 2000 without being "Denzel".
RB: Zimbabwean arts industry is heavily under-funded, and the few organisations that are still up and running are doing so with international donor funding. Artistes continue to live as paupers and yet they would have made their name in the arts industry. What do you think is the long-term solution to the problem of funding in the arts sector?
PC: The long-term solution is to turn arts into a formidable industry of repute and take its players notches up, no wonder ndavamo.
RB: Your involvement in the arts industry in addition to your already existing portfolios (businessman, politician, leader in the indigenisation drive), presents a complicated situation to a lot of people out there Comrade. What would you want to be known for?
PC: I would want to be known as a person who lived well in understanding of bringing total commitment to everything that God and good fortune have brought my way.
RB: At the beginning of this year, you publicly announced that you would be buying a private jet, when are we expecting to see the new baby?
PC: I bought one in 1998, a twin-engine 10-seater Cessna, sold it in 2003. In 2011, the Zimbabwean skies are very clear at the moment, the first sight you have of a new bigger jet will be "Tsivo".
RB: People are wondering what happened to your life of bling, nice cars, nice clothes, nice houses and beautiful women??????
PC: God has blessed me with all spiritual blessings and has given me dominion over earthly issues, I am still reigning in life and wisdom. (Herald)
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