The Sunday Mail
JULY is a special month for Kudzai Violet Gwara, who is affectionately known as KVG. The Star FM radio presenter was born 29 years ago on July 10 and became a proud homeowner on July 1, 2021. Our reporter BRIGHTON ZHAWI caught up with KVG to discuss her home deal, radio career, endorsement deals and life as an influential personality.
**************
Q: On July 1, you got a new house and a week later you were celebrating your birthday. Can you share the experience with us?
A: I feel blessed. These are exciting times indeed. It is everyone’s dream to have a place you call your own home. I am grateful to WestProp Zimbabwe for making my dream come true. It actually took some time to put this deal together. We presented a proposal to WestProp and there was a bit of back and forth, but eventually we came to a mutual agreement. This partnership is indeed a life-and game-changer. This being my birthday month, there could be no better way to celebrate.
Q: What kind of celebrations did you have for the two occasions?
A: We are yet to celebrate the new house. We are putting final touches on the interior. I have a few partners coming on board to help me out with the interior. Regarding my birthday, I just took a few days off to rest and relax. I got to spend some quality time with my family.
Q: How does it feel being one of the 10 Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (UK) 2021 nominees under Zim-based Influencer of the Year?
A: I feel honoured every time I receive any form of recognition. It shows that I am doing something right. In fact, it actually pushes me to work harder so that I can continue to excel at what I do.
Q: Tell us about the pressure of being an influential person in society?
A: It is humbling. I always remember that I have a great responsibility to use my platform and influence for the greater good. I try to use the influence to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me and any other young people who look up to me.
Q: Do you have young girls that come to you for career guidance or just appreciating you for your positive influence?
A: All the time! They come asking for advice or simply wanting to connect with me. I do not take this lightly because I know that most girls face a lot of obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. So, I am always ready to offer advice and support whenever I can.
My encouragement to young girls is for them to be innovative and use their unique gifts and talents to pursue their dreams.
There are no limits to what you can become. It is important to work hard, believe in yourself and be excellent at what you do so that great things can happen in your life. Setbacks happen but continue to invest and work towards achieving your dreams.
Q: You are now a brand ambassador for a number of organisations. How did you get there?
A: It is an honour to be able to represent multiple organisations as a brand ambassador. I am so grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and to be honest, most of them have been in the making for a long time.
It is a culmination of many years of hard work, consistency and personal brand-building. It is nice to have organisations that believe and value you.
Q: Did your radio career get any boost from your “3-2-6 Express” combination with Phathisani “MaSugar” Sibanda?
A: To be quite honest, I would not be where I am today without my hosting combination with Pathisani. I was relatively new to radio when we started working together, but because we had such great on-air chemistry, it made my journey in broadcasting easy. Together, we were able to create some magic and my career took off. I have never looked back since then.
Q: Did his departure not affect you?
A: It is different now that he (Phathisani) is not there but the passion and excitement is still the same. Change and growth are part of life and we have to embrace it.
This is a new phase of my career and I am looking forward to more exciting times ahead.
Q: How did you find yourself in radio broadcasting?
A: I grew up dreaming of becoming a star and at some point I developed a keen interest in broadcasting. When an opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands. Coming from a humble background, it always seemed like a stretch, but, hey, as long as you believe in yourself and you are willing to work hard, anything is possible.
Q: What is your normal day like?
A: It depends on the day. But on most work days I run a few errands in the mornings then I have to check in early at work to prepare for my show. On weekends, I am mostly relaxing and from time-to-time I get to spend a bit of time with close friends and family.
Q: Are you married?
A: Interesting question! But, all I can say is that I am taken. I am in a relationship.
Q: Any partying words?
A: I would like to thank all the people who follow and support my work. I will continue to do my best to make them proud. I also wish to thank all my partners for believing and investing their hard-earned resources in me.
To all the dreamers, keep dreaming but, more importantly, put in the work and invest time and energy in your passion, success will surely follow.
