My Bulawayo sat down with the multi talented, poet, actor, singer, Nomatshawekazi Damasane, to discuss her life in the Arts Industry. My Bulawayo (MB) Lady Tshawe (LT)
MB.Who is Nomashawekazi?
LT.Nomshawekazi is a young lady who is passionate about life and her passions are seen through her art. She’s an introvert,lover of food and above all that a Christ follower.
MB.My readers would love to read izithakazelo zakho as you normally do them in your poetry
LT.EDlodlo, eMbanjwa zimagoda ziwadabula, eMpangazitha, eKhali omuhle, eKhali ompofu, eMtingi kaBangela, eQhub’ongelaqhwala, iqhwala lakhe lidolo, Owasikiza umuntu ngomkhonto, Owabhodl’igaz’ achitheka amadoda, eNsondo ziluthuli, Abadla isicaba sisinye basephulelana, Abadla imfe ezimbili kwaphuma ikhasi lalinye, eSankunya sikamdladlana, eLinganisa, eMabanga, eMawandla
MB.Describe lady Tshawe in 3 words
LT.Cocoa Butter
Love
Afro-centric
MB.Tell us about your family background
LT.Grew up in a home where everyone supported each other. I’ve got one sibling- Neoelerato who is the feisty on in the family but ever so lovable.
MB.Take us back when you at primary school most Art memorable moments
LT.Marimba club! I would look forward to going to the school hall and play marimbas. Mr Gara our music teacher made music quite enjoyable for us.
MB.What inspires you
LT.Life around me inspires me!
MB.Whom do you look up to
MB.My father, Saimon Mambazo Phiri
LT.How is it growing in a christrian family not just christrian family but when your father is “umrevu” as i normally call him
LT.I never knew anything else but the Christian family as you call it. It is normal growing up in such a family. However, the pressure of being a pastor’s kid is real, moreso a daughter to a man who has many accolades, you kind of feel like you have to walk in his shoes and society pressures you into being the perfect pastors child. I am fortunate to be in a family where the parents allow the children to really be themselves, no pressure to be like them but for you to be true to who you are and what you want to pursue in your life
MB.When did you fall in love with ART
LT.I cannot really say when I fell in love with art, but all I can say is art and I have had one long wonderful relationship
MB.What are you currently working on?
LT.Currently am penning my next book which should be completed in 2017 and am doing a few stage productions to close of 2016. Plus a surprise project for 2017
MB.What would we be suprise to know about Nomatshawekazi
LT.She is shy, Loves to play hockey and occasionally a fan of baking!
MB.How is the ARTS industry in Zimbabwe
LT.Is that a trick question?
I believe the art or entertainment industry in Zimbabwe has grown in the last few years. It is definitely not where it should be but it is not where it was. Like any industry, or rather any entertainment industry in the world, there is bound to be some ups and downs, but the industry is ultimately what you make it. Personally, I love the challenges that our particular Zimbabwe entertainment industry has brought my way, It has made me think outside the box and be quick on my feet which I believe makes you better at your craft.
MB.What would you say to a 14 year old Lady Tshawe out there
LT.It is okay to take time and feel the pain, joy, hurts, success that you encounter. It is okay to live your life, you have that right!
MB.If you were to give advice to any upcoming ARTS enthusiasts what would it be
LT.Be true to who you are! Be proud of who you are flaws and all! There is no need to try and be the next Ammara Brown or Mbo Mahocs, we already have them and they are shining their lights. The world needs YOU as you are not you being a copy of someone else!
MB.Are you part of social responsibility?
LT.My social responsibility is touching lives one at a time!
MB. Thanks for making time in your busy schedule Nomatshawekazi
LT. most welcome.
