Fame, feuds and fumbles: A glimpse into Zim's creative circles

The late Black Pepper, as she was fondly known, collapsed and died while at work at Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo. 

Hello once again, my friends. I hope you are having a much brighter week thus far.

I can’t believe it has somehow become the norm for us to be conveying condolences every week.

This past weekend, we yet again had to say our goodbyes to radio presenter Tavita Natasha Mpala at a moment’s notice. 

The late Black Pepper, as she was fondly known, collapsed and died while at work at Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo. 

She was laid to rest in her hometown of Bulawayo this past weekend.

May your gentle soul rest in peace, Tavita.

Cold and aloof Bhekiwe

Last week, I shared my thoughts on our beauty queens, who vanished into thin air despite having been exposed to significant fame.

I liked your feedback and laughed at how, this time around, we seemed to agree, kikikiki. 

Anyway, I thought this week would be the perfect time to flag the current generation of artists who ooze with talent, but could also easily find themselves in the dustbins of history.

First up is the gorgeous Bhekiwe Dube. 

Now, that’s a show-stopper—pun intended. 

She has a beautiful voice, and her confidence really grabs your attention very fast. 

But I have heard countless times in the industry corridors that Miss Thang is cold and aloof, kikikiki.

Those who have encountered her energy say that whenever she gets to an event, she will not greet anyone but will sit tight in her corner and interact only with the people she arrived with until it’s time to go home, hahahaha.

A girl, who once appeared in her music video told me that she only interacts with Sandra Ndebele. 

My dear, are you in the business of entertainment? And you are a lone wolf? Heheheh.

Please focus Denzel 

Do you guys remember the amazing Denzel Khumalo from Highlanders? Oh, what a rare gem. 

The young man can really play soccer.      

I remember in those days when he was at Bosso, he would sometimes go missing for days during training; some said he would go to South Africa without leave. 

But the moment he came back and entered the pitch, eh, he drove the stadium to a crescendo.

I think Denzel is the kind of player who could slip into a coma for six months, and the moment you wake him up and throw him into a soccer match, he would give you your money’s worth.

It’s a pity he is a bit of a prima donna. 

I once read about his scandals online and saw that he once slapped a coach—I found it hard to believe, kikikiki.

Apparently, one time he got so angry he slashed the tires of one of the managers’ cars at Highlanders. 

Haibo, Denzel! Stop wasting time and talent… you’ve had your fun; now focus and go international. 

Fortune knocks at a man’s door only once in a lifetime...

Gilmore Tee’s unforging ego

Now, this one does not require much philosophy to believe, kikikiki. 

Gilmore Tee is probably the most well-known publicist in Bulawayo, having executed events like I WEAR MY CULTURE and Pichani. 

He has all the connections you can think of, from fastjet to the British Council. However, Gilmore’s potential downfall is his gatekeeping attitude. 

I’ve heard so many of his industry colleagues say he loves a humiliation ritual before he allows a person his time.

Some have often ridiculed Pichani as a personal gala for him and those who have his approval, yet on paper, when requesting sponsorship, it is alleged to be an industry event meant to grow talent and networks, kikikiki. 

I don’t know why so many of you guys complain about Gilmore. 

He has a horrible relationship with the media, and most journalists will tell you of the displeasure of having to write about his events and the silly wild goose chase of protocol he will send you on. 

Ironic, considering he calls himself a public relations guru, kikiki—of Africa, for that matter.

 Gilmore, there isn’t much advice to share with you on your work because you are excellent at it; your flop is in your confusion, where you mix work with personal ego. Do the math, baba.

Poor ASAPH

I almost want to talk about ASAPH, kikikiki. 

The poor lad probably has the worst PR in history and has had his “mean girl” persona overshadow his talent. 

My friend refuses to believe me when I tell him the rapper was signed to Def Jam Records at some point. Shame, man.

Before I dash off to borrow money from people, I must say we are getting crooked necks from looking in all directions for the list of nominees for the Bulawayo Arts Awards. 

The highlight event is like Christmas in the industry, as it works to refresh, revitalise, and inspire creatives.

 I do not want to lie and speculate as to what is happening there, but it can’t possibly still be about a build-up.

Okay, my friends, let us keep interacting on Instagram @SouthernEye.

Until next time, remember to be good. If you cannot be good, be safe.

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