ZIMBABWE’S favourite prime-time drama Chipo the Gift Season 4 is back with a bang.
The new season started showing on ZTV last Monday, ushering in a wave of emotionally-charged storytelling that promises not just to entertain, but to transform.
With its gripping take on real life issues like child marriages, gender-based violence (GBV) and drug abuse, this season flips the script and showcases Chipo’s rise from a broken survivor to an empowered force of change.
Scriptwriter Virginia Jekanyika calls it “a season of transformation” and under the masterful direction of Nakai Tsuro, it’s clear, this isn’t just television.
Instead it’s a movement.
“From the beginning, Chipo’s arc was always meant to move her from a place of pain to one of purpose,” Jekanyika said.
“With GBV cases on the rise, especially femicide and child marriage, we wanted Chipo to model action as opposed to survival.
“It was incredibly difficult to write, but we knew it had to be done with care and honour.”
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Tsuro, who directed the shootings, was at her best, blending her experience in cinematography and motion picture editing into a visual language that makes it possible for trauma and resilience to be felt on-screen.
“We used a lot of close-ups and long shots to linger on emotions. I also encouraged the actors to draw from personal or known experiences to bring authenticity to their roles,” she said.
“Even in moments of sadness, we find humour; like the scene where Baba Chipo tries to steal soil from a rival’s homestead at night. It’s funny, but also deeply human. That balance is what makes Chipo memorable.”
Producer Daves Guzha emphasised the importance of meaningful partnerships and effective collaborations in making this season possible.
He highlighted that Chipo the Gift is one of the few shows in Zimbabwe with both mass appeal and educational value.
“We were fortunate to collaborate with organisations like the Pamoja Project and Young Africa,” he said.
“These partnerships aren’t just about funding, they’re about creating impact.
“We’re measuring success not just in viewership; though we average 3,2 million per episode and in conversations on social media, YouTube feedback, and direct community engagement.”
Gamuchirai Mukwakwami brought a lot of passion and presence as she has been so natural and pacing her character well.
She promised to be dynamic in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Playing Chipo has changed how I see people. I now find myself counselling others, helping where I can. It’s no longer just a role and it’s a mission,” Mukwakwami said.
So for the next few months, Chipo the Gift will be home entertainment for millions across Zimbabwe and beyond the borders.
