She has been part of over 200 productions and her journey traces back to over 20 years.
Sipilisiwe Kaikeni (SK) still feels she has what it takes to explore more in the industry. She is part of the Mukadota Reloaded series produced by Admire ‘Bhutisi’ Kuzhangaire as Mai Rwizi. H-Metro’s Latwell Nyangu (LN) had a chat with her. Read on…
LN: You have travelled a long journey. Share the experience?
SK: Well I have been in the game for some time now, 20 plus years to be more precise. Obviously when you start something it won’t be easy at all, especially kutanga uchiri mwana mudiki like what I did. I started at the age of 17 and each and every era has its own challenges. It takes a strong passion to be in this industry especially in Zim. Nevertheless, taka chi master chi game chacho.
LN: Being a woman, what lessons can be drawn from this industry?
SK: Just like any other industry, women must not attempt to do shortcuts in order to progress. Step by step we will get there. As a woman if you respect yourself all other people around you will also respect you.
LN: In terms of productions, how far have you gone?
SK: Ndafamba rwendo rurefu, zvakare ndichiri pa rwendo. I am not sure but in total I have taken part in more than 200 productions. That’s include movies, theatre, series, adverts (TV and radio) Road shows, etc. As for where I am going, the sky is the limit. Watch the space, my company Sharp. Arrow production is gonna reach places. In Feb I am dropping a bombshell. I am working on a series Gamuchirai, written by Kingston Kasiyandima, directed and produced by myself.
LN: With such a journey, have you been awarded?
SK: I won the best actress award for the Savuka Festival which comprised talent from different nations. That was in 1998. It was a theatre play, I am sorry Emma, and I played the character Emma. In 2023 I was nominated for ZAFTAS best tv actress. Nomination on its own is an achievement. As a director our short film Bewitched won at ZIFFT in 2022. Now I am focusing on bringing more awards home.
LN: You played different roles in different productions, which one has been the most exciting?
SK: The most exciting is always the very upcoming role. Even the best movie is always the one I am about to shoot. As talents we normally don’t enjoy walking forward with our eyes looking into the view mirror.
LN: How do you feel being in the shoes of a great actress like Mai Rwizi?
SK: Playing Mai Rwizi’s role I feel so excited and nervous at the same time Mai Rwizi is a big name but ndombotya kuti ndinoburitsa here as Mai Rwizi. It is a challenging role because acting zvakamboitwa neumwe maone. Thanx to Admire Kuzhangaire aka Bhutisi for giving me this role this means a lot to me. He actually believed in me.
LN: Do you think you have benefited from being part of this industry?
SK: A lot, through acting a lot of opportunities came my way. What one just needs is to use his or her fame to make great connections.
LN: Do you think Zim has the ability to compete at the global stage?
SK: Of course, Zim has great potential, talent is loaded. Our biggest challenge is finances. Economy is affecting us negatively, just like any other industry in the country.
But when you put your hands on the next plough never look back. Tinosvika chete.