About
In this episode, I had the honor of having a conversation with acclaimed writer Virginia Phiri. In the first part, we discussed how Virginia's upbringing in the Zugali township shaped her aspirations and interests. Despite experiencing personal loss and struggle, Virginia remained curious and creative, harnessing her passion for the arts and literature. The second part focused on Virginia's career path and the importance of pursuing one's passions and taking risks, even in the face of challenges. In the third part, we highlighted the role of technology in helping writers share their work and protect their copyrights, emphasizing the need for support and advice from others. Virginia also discussed her passion for writing and the lack of support for African writers. Before concluding with the importance of preserving African stories and the need for better support systems for African artists and writers. Overall, Virginia inspired listeners to stay true to their passions and seek support in pursuing their creative endeavors.
Key Takeaways
About
In this podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Ropafadzo Sibusiso Chidawu, Managing Director of Gombe Holdings. In our conversation, we discussed the challenges of succession in African family businesses. Ropa shared personal experiences and lessons learned in confronting personal and professional issues, embracing new talent and ideas, and providing adequate training for young people in family businesses. She also touched on the importance of investing in the creative economy and using art as a means of diversifying one's portfolio. As well as the need for a functioning supply chain, a sustainable creative economy, and social responsibility and representation when collecting art. The takeaway from this podcast is the need for open communication and conflict resolution, perseverance and problem-solving skills, and the willingness to push back against those who may hinder progress.
Key Takeaways
For episode 31 I had the honor of speaking with Prince Sivalo Mahlangu - a passionate cook, cultural activist, and host of the Magriza Made me cook Youtube channel.
In our conversation spoke about,
- Food as an expression of culture
- The path that led him to explore indigenous Zimbabwean food
- What he and his team have learned from documenting Zimbabwean cultural practices
The learn more about his team work check their Youtube Channel below:
https://www.youtube.com/@MagrizaMadeMeCook
Enjoy!
For episode 31 I had the honour of being interviewed by Kuda Mangwe the first guest of the Zimbabwean Voices Podcast.
In our conversation, we spoke about parts of my story to date, my reason for starting the podcast, and my favourite moments thus far.
Enjoy!
For episode 30 I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Kudzanai “Kayz” Tembo, national hockey player & the founder of Rising Stars; a media company with a focus on shedding light on Zimbabwe’s young sporting talent.
In his last year of high school, Kudzanai missed out on 2 hockey scholarships as a result of not having any video content to showcase.
Driven to ensure that this would never happen to anyone else he started Rising Stars and has now helped many young Zimbabwean athletes get scholarships and contracts at word class institutions around the world.
In our conversation, we spoke about his dream for the company and his ideas on what could be done in Zimbabwe to better nurture and retain talent.
Enjoy
For the next few episodes, I want to listen to the stories of the people that listen to the stories we have shared. I don’t think one person's story is more important than another person's story. I believe every story matters and I would to hear and share yours.
So please reach out to me so we can connect at: hello@zimbabweanvoices.com.
Peace & Much Love
For episode 29 I had the pleasure of speaking with Sifiso Mabena. She is a New York-based theatrical playwright and actress.
In our conversation, we spoke about her journey into theatre, her previous works, and her current project which reflects on the idea of uncovering truths and her interpretation of “home”.
Enjoy!
For episode 27 I had the honour of having a conversation with Alex Breitenstein the founder of Bereka.
Bereka is an innovative online logistics service provider that delivers Mukuru cash safely, securely, and conveniently to the doorstep of financially underserved communities.
In our conversation, we spoke about his entrepreneurial journey, the magnitude of the value of Bereka’s business model, and most importantly about the mindset of creating solutions to problems.
Enjoy!
For episode 26 I had the honor of speaking with Zvataida “Zah” Chimedza who currently works as a host and producer at the American digital media company Barstool Sports. In our conversation, we covered how he pivoted from finance to media, untapped Zimbabwean stories, homesickness, and navigating a dream career as a Zimbabwean abroad.
Enjoy!
For episode 25 I had the honor of having a conversation with Michelle Nativel a leading digital content creator and the co-founder of the local dance studio - Dance Avenue. In our chat we spoke about the journey into content creation, opening her studio and the struggles that come with LGBT intolerance in the Zimbabwean community.
Enjoy!
For Episode 24 I had the privilege of having a conversation with Michelle Manzinde. A great woman who sits on the board of Abangane Platforms
Founded by Zibusiso Munandi, “Abangane” translated in English means friends and the platform seeks to provide a safe space to talk for young people in Zimbabwe that have issues affecting them such as drugs & substance abuse, lack of access to recreation, and mental disorders.
If their story inspired you in any way feel to reach out to them at Abangane Platforms
Enjoy!
For episode 23 I had. the honour of having a conversation with Tendai Jambga-Rokkones.
A Zimbabwean wellness curator and yoga instructor with a passion for bringing enlightenment to the world.
We touched on the impact of our ancestors, trauma, and reclaiming yoga as Africans in order to use it as a vehicle for healing, self-awareness & self-actualization.
Enjoy!
For episode 22 I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Dominic Peters from the South African band Goldfish. Fun fact, Dom was born in Zimbabwe and spent his early childhood there before moving to Cape Town.
His parents are also both Zimbabwean and in our conversation, he mentioned that his mother comes from Gweru. Now it finally made sense why their best songs were peppered with Shona lyrics!
In our chat we spoke about his formative years, his journey to become a musician, and unpacked the underlying truths that run through all of Goldfish’s music.
Enjoy!
For episode 21 I had the honour of speaking with Tinashe “Nash” Maoneni, the lead singer of the band Flying Bantu.
The essence of our conversation was about how they use their music as a way to inspire people to live life without boundaries.
To listen to our conversation, check out the link below:
Enjoy!
For episode 20 I had the honour of speaking with Kalai Barlow, the co-founder of Obsurca Film.
In our conversation, we touched on the value of representation, impostor syndrome, the battle between logic and intuition, and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity.
Enjoy!
For episode 19 I had the honour of speaking with Yara Hanssen.
Youth Olympic changemaker, an avid adventurer, and the Skotch Cart Company founder. Our conversation covered topics ranging from her background in Zimbabwean equestrian, her travel bug, and women empowerment.
Enjoy!
For Episode 18 I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Tadzie Madzima, the founder of Ignite Youth. A non profit organization based in Zimbabwe with a focus on helping young people find their purpose and then helping them to fan their inner flame.
Enjoy!
For episode 17, I had the pleasure to speak with Dr. Anesu Musvosvi. We had a great conversation about how he grew up in different parts of the world and his inspirational journey which saw him pivot from media to a career as a dentist.
Enjoy!
“We were trying to plan a trip to Zim but when we were looking online all we were finding were pictures of rhinos, lions & Ghonarezhou if you're lucky.
Across the board, it was the same thing. Paida & I both traveled to places like Indonesia and you see pages like the Bali Bible that help you curate your whole trip off these simple pages that showcase all that there is to do in that country when you're on holiday.
We thought that there is nothing like that for Zim. Not every person wants to do a safari so we decided that if it's not there let's create it. Create something that showcases the other stuff that there is to do in Zim besides Victoria Falls” - Sindi Kayembe
@When in Zim
For episode 15, I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Dalumuzi Mhlanga, the founder of Notto Africa, a digital platform dedicated to helping people access affordable home loans.
Prior to starting Notto, Dalumuzi worked as Chief of Staff for the Econet Group.
As a highly decorated scholar, he completed his undergraduate degree at Harvard University and was thereafter awarded a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University for his postgraduate education.
During his studies, he also founded a non-profit organization that provided leadership training to thousands of school children in Zimbabwe.
In our conversation, we covered his journey to date and his passion for developing the African continent by uplifting the lives of its people.
Enjoy!