Joseph Chinotimba to feature in TV Drama

Joseph Chinotimba

Comical war veterans’ deputy boss and fierce Zanu PF loyalist Joseph Chinotimba has never shied from making his feelings known. From music where he occasionally attended the Book Cafe for mbira vibes (especially in 2006-07) to football matches involving CAPS United and Dynamos, the bearded municipal policeman-turned politician, has maintained his presence with a good profile in these events.

Now, the fiery Chinos has joined the bandwagon of high profile personalities trying their hand in box office and television dramas. According to actor-cum-musician Clifford Makonese — who is also a script writer — he is working on a local drama which will feature the colourful Chinotimba.

Makonese, popularly known as Spuga Dhibhura in local radio dramas, said his forthcoming drama entitled Vachabongomora Nebongozozo will star the comical political figure. Loosely translated in English it means They will reel from violence — an ironic title which captures the former side of the war veterans’ chief.

“Vachabongomora Nebongozozo, a local Shona drama which is still in the pipeline will feature Joseph Chinotimba, but at the moment I cannot reveal the role he is going to play in that drama,” said the 30-year-old Spuga. Speaking to the Daily News, Spuga expressed his joy in working with the deputy leader of the war veterans.

“I’m glad to work with mature people, the likes of Cde Jimmy Chipepura, war veteran Cde Chinotimba who had shown keen interest in acting over the years. Cde Chinotimba allowed us to use his office on our latest drama called Ngapagadziriswe and his photo featured in this drama as well,” said Spuga. Daily News’ efforts to get a comment from Chinotimba proved fruitless as his mobile phone kept on ringing before it was switched off.

But it is the role that will surely attract both sets of viewers — those in love with his antics and those opposed to them. Chinotimba, it appears, is following in the footsteps of flamboyant businessman Phillip Chiyangwa who has found new love in local films. Chiyangwa featured in The Gentleman and has a role in Kwa Zvimba — a movie currently under shoot in his home area of Zvimba.

At the weekend, the larger-than-life Chiyangwa, known for his unrivalled dressing, was in Johannesburg acquiring equipment for his crew. Spuga said apart from the Chinotimba production, his other project, Ngapagadziriswe, will soon hit the big screen and the drama was first aired on Radio Zimbabwe in 1999. 

On Ngapagadziriswe, the background music was provided by the ever-rising gospel artiste Blessing Shumba and ZCC Mbungu Stars’ Lucky Chikuhwa. The story behind Ngapagadziriswe revolves on a tired story of a person Spuga, who started his life grinding in poverty, facing all forms of ill-treatment and then by sheer grace of God, he becomes a company manager.

Spuga helped those who stood by him during his trying times. Spuga Dhibhura is a household name as the actor has starred in various Radio Zimbabwe dramas, among them Vachabongomora Nebongozozo (Radio version), Toicherepi pfimbi yedu of 2001, Maungira okuguma as well as Zvousiku where he played the role of a stubborn and mischievous ghost, Penjeni. The artiste Spuga juxtaposes music and acting.

“In 2001, I released my debut accapella gospel album titled Zambuko NdiJesu, followed by eight track-album gospel album in 2005 entitled Dhibhura Wavakuchemei,” said Spuga. Spuga runs a transport business and is committed to the arts industry. “I love art and I’m committed to it. I am grooming my two children Delvis Brown Makonese who is five years old and three-year-old Clifford Junior Spuga.

“I need my boys Delvis and Clifford Junior to surpass my standard as far as acting is concerned,” said the Chivhu-born Spuga. Dhibhura hit the headlines when he was paid an annual miserly fee of $6 as royalties by the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura).