The Sunday Mail
UNITED Kingdom (UK)-based artiste and Mambokadzi dance group founder and director, Enisia Mashusha (EM), has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in the local arts industry. Raised in Bulawayo before moving to Harare and subsequently the UK, the veteran arts practitioner has endeared herself with fans for her unwavering stance in the fight for the girl child’s rights and has in the past received several accolades for her exploits. Our Features and Arts Editor PRINCE MUSHAWEVATO (PM) last week caught up with the affable, but tough-talking artiste for an insight into her life.
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PM: Can you give us a brief background on how you ventured into the arts?
EM: My journey started decades ago in Makokoba Township. I was born in Mzilikazi, Bulawayo — the home of stars. What started as a hobby later turned out to be my lifetime profession. I have worked with NASA Theatre which is now known as Siyaya Arts. I then later joined Amakhosi Theatre where I studied and graduated in all art genres. I am an actress, dancer, musician, scriptwriter and theatre director. Some of the plays I directed were showcased in Sweden and UK. Oh, I also used to do voiceovers for radio and television adverts for big companies in Zimbabwe.
PM: Did you get support from your family considering the stereotype that many female artistes face?
EM: I was a secretary just after school, but I would find myself leaving the office for theatre most of the time. At first, my late father was not happy with it, but he ended up supporting me after realising how passionate I was about the arts. I got into the industry not because of money, but because of the need to do what I love most. I knew from back then that I was making the right choice.
PM: Are you satisfied with your achievements thus far?
EM: I am proud of what I have become. I managed to form the group Mambokadzi and steered it to stardom just after the turn of the new millennium. I am extraordinarily blessed to do what I love for a living and have toured the whole of Europe through arts. I have been to Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, UK to mention, but a few places.
I have received numerous awards in the process, which include the Best Actress gongs for stage and radio plays. Besides, through art, I have managed to buy myself a house, cars and venture into the cargo transport business.
PM: Does Mambokadzi still exist?
EM: I left the country together with the group in 2016 and we are still active. However, like everyone else we have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But there are a number of projects that we are currently working on together with European artistes among them Doriana Harris (Norway).
We have online shows like “Enisia’s A-List” that explores topical issues affecting female artistes in the local industry and “Wokadzi Online Dance Shows” that help in identifying and grooming talent.
PM: How does it feel to be part of the “pioneering” ladies that changed the course of a previously male-dominated dance industry?
EM: It always feels great to make a positive impact in whatever you do. Our group (Mambokadzi), together with others like Amavithikazi, Girls of Peace and Girls La Musica fought for gender equality in the local arts industry.
It was not an easy battle as we had to endure all forms of abuse from fans and promoters. I formed Mambokadzi when it was still tough for women creatives to break barriers. We deserve as a country to celebrate this milestone! I am grateful to all those who have supported us throughout.
PM: Which outstanding big and small screen productions have you featured in?
EM: I have starred in popular television dramas like “Hlengiwe Mntanami” and “Stitsha”. These productions had a positive impact on society as they tackled crucial issues like rape, teen pregnancy, child and drug abuse. On the big screen, I featured in world-class productions like “Evil In Our Midst” and “Game Plan” that showcased on Dstv.
PM: Any words of encouragement?
EM: To aspiring female artistes, follow your dreams with passion and never be discouraged. Take a leaf from people like Madam Boss and Mai TT, they started small, but through willpower and hard work, they have grown to become brands. Always work hard.
