ENTERTAINMENT

Twists and turns of Madam Boss’ journey

Published

4 years ago

13/04/2019

“I am still a village girl who grew up in Madziva. Not many people know that I was once a housemaid. I started working as a housemaid after completing Grade 7 because my mother who was sick could no longer fend for me. She later died and it was hard and painful for me.

“I worked in Madziva before relocating to South Africa where I again worked as a maid. I came back to Harare and stayed in Budiriro with my aunt, where I worked in an internet cafe. The skits you see depict my real life. While in Madziva, some people thought this maid is crazy, but you know, situations create habits.”

This is the story of popular actress Madam Boss as she narrated it on Wednesday. It is a bitter-sweet story. It exudes sadness in as much as it is inspirational and somewhat comical. She is a talented comedienne and obviously spices the tale with some jokes. But hers is a typical rags to riches story.

Madam Boss is her most popular moniker, but she is also known as the hilarious Dudzai, a maid with endless comic stunts.
Her real name is Tyra Chikocho.

If you visit her homestead and ask for Tyra Chikocho, it is highly unlikely that you will easily get a quick response. But the moment you say Dudzai or Madam Boss, the response would be prompt.

For those who do not know Dudzai, she is a maid in comical skits played by Chikocho.

Watching those skits, one will either hate or love housemaids.

To date, Tyra Chikocho has many faces and is known in various circles as a comedian, musician, corporate brand ambassador, businesswoman, fashionista and housewife.

She recently opened her new shop named after her Madam Boss moniker. The boutique sells lingerie, makeup products, clothes and perfumes among a coterie of fashion accessories.

Saturday Herald Lifestyle visited the 34-year-old actress at her shop which is situated at the corner of Fife Avenue and Mazowe Street. The moment you step in the store, she welcomes you with a big smile and starts to crack jokes — if it’s not about you, that’s if she knows you personally, she will crack a joke to make you feel comfortable.

With a lot of accolades, a huge fan base on social media and a lot of endorsements, she is just humble and lovable.

“I grew up in Madziva and we were taught good manners. The secret is to smile to everyone,” she said. Madam Boss said the hardest thing she has done in her career is to put maids in the limelight and to make her husband Ngoni (Mhofela) appreciate the role of skits.

“I have the most incredible fans in the world and I want to thank them for pushing me professionally, emotionally and financially. When we started these Madam Boss skits, I was the tough bully boss landlady acting together with Ngoni’s cousin sister Miranda as the maid.

‘‘One day Miranda was not available and Ngoni asked me to replace the maid since I was once one and had the experience. He then asked my sister’s daughter, Tsitsi, to act as the boss lady,” she said.

She said they decided to take that route because they wanted to portray cruel maids.

“What you see in Dudzai, is the actual truth. I remember back then in the village where I worked as a maid. I was very cruel but my employer turned a blind eye,” she said.

Ngoni took the role of his wife’s manager after she understood her trade.

“I met Ngoni through his best friend, I didn’t know him personally. He was wearing a red shirt and it fitted him perfectly well. I fell in love at first sight and I asked his friend to initiate our relationship. Fortunately, the friend told me that the guy was also interested in me. The rest is history,” she said.

The dimpled star said, at first, her husband didn’t understand what she wanted to do but, today he is the one who writes scripts.

“Some of our skits are written by Ngoni. Like I said before it was hard for him to accept my chosen career. My relatives from both sides are very supportive. Ngoni’s family accepted me as I am. I am still their decent daughter-in-law. My mother-in-law actually calls me daily asking what’s new on skits. They actually put pressure and this has motivated me a lot. They are my number one fans,” she said.

Madam Boss said her mother-in-law made her strong during the time when she was blasted on social media.

“There is a lot that happened in my life on social media. A lot has been said and you know what that means but my mother-in-law and husband fully supported me. Ngoni always says, don’t respond, do this and I respect that because I am a married woman so my husband’s decision comes first,” she said.

Despite her busy schedule, Madam Boss always finds time to assist people from various communities.

“I have a lot of projects I am working on. I do charity work. Not many know that I am paying school fees for some children in Madziva. I would not want to say much on it, but I have been reaching out to many underprivileged people.

On reports that she bleached her skin, Madam Boss could neither deny nor confirm.

“I grew up in rural areas and honestly speaking you expect me to remain dark, smelling three-legged pot smoke? I come to Harare and you expect me to be the same? Of cause like other girls, we used to apply Movate, Diprison and Caro Light among others. Now I know what to apply and obviously, I like to brighten up my complexion. I am not dark but light, so I need to maintain that,” she said.

Apart from having her own eye-lashes and lipstick range in her name, Madam Boss revealed that she is working on her perfume range which is being processed in Dubai.

The diva said she was inspired by United States businesswoman and musician “Queen B”, Beyonce as well as renowned filmmaker Tyler Perry. “I love Beyonce and Tyler Perry. I am working on my bio-film. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, it is going to take long. One of my dreams would be to meet Beyonce,” she said.

Madam Boss has one daughter and says at home she loves to cook junk food and Ngoni loves “nzondora”.The Herald

ENTERTAINMENT

Van Choga and Seh Calaz part ways

Published

3 years ago

02/07/2020

Goddy Vunganai

Zimdancehall chanter Van Choga and Seh Calaz have parted ways. Van Choga confirmed the developments but could not say much on the issue.
“It’s still sketchy but I can confirm I am no longer part of Yalanation. “I can refer you to my management because for now, I can’t say anything.“If there is something new you will be the first person to know,” he said.

Calaz’s publicist King George Damson said there is no bad blood between the two entertainers.
“As far as I know, there is no bad blood between these two chanters.

“As Seh Calaz Music and Yalanation Studios, we want to issue a public statement regarding Van Choga to the effect that Van Choga will no longer be working with Seh Calaz Music and Yalanation Studios.

“Van Choga has advised us that he now wants to pursue another direction with different people.
“We hold no reservations with his personal choice and thus accordingly we release him,” he said.

“As Seh Calaz Music and Yalanation Studios, we are proud of the part we played since we started working with Van Choga around June 2019 to date.
“We have given our all in terms of support for his career to progress.”

King George also said Calaz’s goal is to give upcoming artists a platform to showcase their talent.
“Seh Calaz will continue to give young people an opportunity to showcase their talent.
“He will continue to do so and any young person willing to work with our stable is welcome,” he said.

In another interview, Van Choga’s handler Tai “International” Mazanhi said there was an altercation but they are working on it.
“There was just a minor in-house miscommunication issue which is being rectified if there is anything we will advise you in due course,” he said.
Calaz also said he has no problem with the talented chanter.

“Inini I took him in as my younger brother ndaishanda naye on a personal level not as Yalanation but as Seh Calaz and I thank God nekutisanganisa he is a talented and hard-working young man.

“Akasimudzirawo zita re Yalanation we thank him for the time yataiva tese and I wish him the best in his career, Bholato Bholato,” said Calaz. H-Metro

ENTERTAINMENT

Mafikizolo show to go ahead

Published

4 years ago

04/09/2019

Goddy Vunganai

Organisers of Mafikizolo’s “Back in Town Concert” slated for Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on Friday have revealed that they will channel part of the show proceeds towards victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

They said the show will go on as scheduled despite a social media outcry, calling for a boycott of the event over ongoing xenophobic attacks.

Mafikizolo is expected in the country on Friday morning.

The outcry emanated from the fact that the South African pair will be coming to perform at a time their compatriots are reportedly attacking Zimbabweans across the Limpopo.

Show promoter Blessing Jeke said: “We are going ahead with the show.

“Mafikizolo condemns violence, and they are going to openly do so in a social media video,” he said.

“They will also record a song against xenophobia along with other local musicians, who are part of the show because music is universal. Through i)t, we can reach out to those perpetrators and show them that love conquers all.

“About 10 per cent of our earnings will be donated to the Zimbabwean embassy in South Africa to help those affected by xenophobic attacks.”
Music and Arts Promoters Association chairperson Josh Hozheri urged people not to retaliate.

“Firstly, we condemn the violence which is happening in South Africa against our fellow citizens and other Africans.

“Let us use this event to send the message across the continent that as much as we are pained by what is going on, we can stand as a bigger people, leading by example, of what Africa and Ubuntu are all about,” he said.

“We have our own performing artistes regularly visiting South Africa.

“Alick Macheso was recently in Midrand, and we have Selmor Mtukudzi and Andy Muridzo going there this month-end.

“If we retaliate it will not work to our advantage. All we can do is use this show to send a message of love, peace and harmony to our African brothers.”
Hozheri said if locals were to boycott the show, the nation loses. The Herald

ENTERTAINMENT

Prophet Passion Java Blasted

Published

4 years ago

24/08/2019

Goddy Vunganai

Prophet Passion Java has been blasted by fellow church leaders over his love for dancehall music as well as his lifestyle of showing off his possessions on social media platforms.

The controversial prophet recently signed dancehall artiste Enzo Ishall in his newly formed music label called Passion Java records where he is set to sign many other dancehall musicians.

Apart from his love for Zim Dancehall music, the youthful prophet has also been criticized for recently showing off on social media his new Lamborghini vehicle that he bought a week ago.

Bible scholar and president of impact Trust Elias Chakabatwa said Prophet Passion Java should repent from his ways.

“Jesus Christ is the model and epitome of Christian leadership, His exemplary behaviour when he was here on Earth should be a model for all time, serious Christian leaders.

“He was humble and not pompous. He did not boast about his material possessions neither did any of the Apostles of Jesus declare publicly that they had so many donkeys or cattle and so many acres of land which was then a measure of wealth in those days.

“People misquote the verse and misinterpret the scripture which says “do not judge…’ the Bible is a clear yardstick for discerning some so-called “prophets” who are nothing but novices seeking relevance and significance in the name of God!

“Jesus said in Mathew 7:16 you shall know them by their fruit, a quick exegesis of this clearly shows that one can tell whether someone is fake or real by their character and behaviour.

“Yes, you can’t then write someone off from salvation yet you can tell that what the person is doing is not in tandem with the Scriptures.

“There are many gospel artistes who are gifted and anointed seeking help to reach out to people with their music and they are struggling yet someone in the name of prophet goes all the way to sponsor a singer who is propagating profanity eg Magate song!

“Prophet Passion Java needs to recognize that the Kingdom of God operates on the principle of discipline and meekness without these you become statistics.

“He comes out in the media boasting about his cars and the amount of money he has may God help us all there is a challenge here.

“It seems there is an emptiness in his life crying for recognition, this is not good for Christian testimony.
“What is the difference between him and the people who do not believe in Christ who boasts about their mighty and wealth?

“Everything that Christians acquire according to the Bible God is the one who gives them the power to acquire them and these possessions are not to satisfy personal ego and bigotry but to advance the kingdom of God.

“Charisma without character is dangerous in the spiritual things, one can be charismatic and be at the forefront of a religious movement but lacking character.

“It will be a question of time before they are exposed, pride goes before a fall and God exalts the humble.

“Prophet Passion needs to understand that God gives all of us an opportunity to mend our ways but if we don’t we will come into direct confrontation with God in which the pride will be undone.

“He needs to seek God and ask for forgiveness concerning his actions which are not incongruent with Christian ethos.

“He has been exposing himself and the cravings within him by going public and supporting things which are anti-gospel so to speak.

“He is also exhibiting high levels of arrogance and pride which is not a good thing for those who purport to be ambassadors of Christ.
“Gift can take you up but it is the character that will keep you on the cutting edge.

“May God help us all to realize that no one who ever boasted of their piety or who displayed a haughty spirit achieved much.

“The way up in the kingdom is down it is a paradox, He needs mature Christians to mentor him and speak into his life so that he doesn’t become statistics because of arrogance, He needs someone who will walk with him and counsel him,” said Chakabatwa.

Prophet Jason Jones of Word in you Ministries blamed immaturity as the root problem for prophet Passion’s behaviour.

“In Zimbabwe, I would like to believe that Prophet Passion is one of our Christian leaders who can teach the word in a way that is easy to understand.

“He prophetic gift is also something that we cannot take away from him however I would like to say that Christians need to be patient with him.
“Prophet Passion is still young and I am sure there are so many things that he is doing now which he shall stop doing as he matures,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom Embassy issued a statement describing attacks of their leader as a form of persecution that they are experiencing as a church.

“We are being attacked as a Ministry, instead of people to appreciate social responsibility programs our man of God is doing there are actually persecuting us.

“Pastors have stopped preaching about Jesus Christ on their pulpits and they are now attacking our prophet.

“Prophet Passion is a blessed man, recently he bought a Lamborghini and he has also entered a deal with Gucci when we publicize those things our aim is to show what God can do.

“In every church, there is a segment for testimonies, so what is wrong if our man of God testifies using social media platform?” Reads the church statement.H-Metro