Baba Natie to charm Hurungwe Arts Festival

By Our Reporter

Tawanda Chemhere’s soothing poetic voice will be among participants during the forthcoming Hurungwe Arts Festival on 28-29 November 2014.

Born 32 years ago in Alaska mine where he went for primary education is now a household name in dramas.

Though he first made inroads in the artistic field as a poet, Chemhere went to Marere secondary school under Chief Mujinga in Hurungwe and was a regular voice on then Radio 2 with the Jonga Big Zhanje during the program VanaNyanduri.

Chemhere curved his name with popular series of dramas under Ndakaziva Haitungamiri in three parts that he personally markets in Karoi, Kadoma, Masvingo and Gweru among other towns in the country.

Tawanda Chemhere aka Baba Nattie is billed to perform at Hurungwe Arts Festival

‘’I started off my drama project locally where some scenes are in Chiedza and Chikangwe high density suburbs where I want to see the community being part of my reality shows. I focus on social issues especially stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS in some families. We must accept each other than shying away those affected and infected’’, he says.

However he bemoans unprofessional approach by some promoters.

‘’It is unfortunate that some promoters are not professional as they do not take us seriously and may abuse female members because they have money. We look forward to see Hurungwe Arts Festival will assist all artists to be respected and sign better paying contracts. They must start as our voice’ he adds.

Chemhere pays tribute to Karoi residents for being supportive and giving constructive criticism that is shaping his role model status.

‘’Karoi residents are my pillar of hope and Zimbabweans are now appreciating that we can produce best dramas and films in the long run’’, says Chemhere who acts as Baba Natasha.

In the play Ndakaziva Haitungamiri 1-3, he is an outgoing family man who gets HIV virus that causes AIDS after dumping his wife for a girlfriend.

His wife rejects him but she engages in an affair with his younger brother who seduces her though he is also HIV positive.

‘’Such is the reality that many of us are not accepting. Stigma is affecting some of the infected and affected in the community’’, says Chemhere who promises fireworks during the two day showcase in Karoi.

Baptism of Fire, BOF's programs manager Joel Zilala says, ‘’We have workshops lined up as well so that artist will know why it is prudent to make art as a profession and an industry. Artist must take themselves seriously and Hurungwe Arts Festival will unpack everything for all concerned to make it tick’’