The Sunday Mail
Patience Phiri (PP) is a renowned creative entrepreneur, media personality and social media influencer.
Over the years, she has made a name for herself in the arts industry.
In fact, it is not easy to exhaustively talk about her life journey. However, The Sunday Mail Society’s Zandile Zaza Ndlovu (ZN) last week interviewed the woman who is known for her head wraps, beadwork and activism to get an insight into her life.
ZN: How best do you describe yourself?
PP: I am a proud mother of a second-year university student. I enjoy learning new things and I am adventurous. I would like to call myself an artivist (artiste + activist), as I am passionate about young women actively participating in key decision-making positions, gender equality, voter education and the creative industry.
ZN: Bulawayo has often been referred to as the creative industry’s capital of Zimbabwe. And you are one of the major drivers of art. What are you currently involved in?
PP: I was educated in Bulawayo, and have worked in the creative industry for many years. I am part of the many voices calling for the sector to be recognised as a powerhouse in Zimbabwe. I believe that with a dedicated ministry and support from the Government, the creative industry could contribute immensely to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
ZN: What is new in your life?
PP: I am now a playwright, a prolific blogger, an avid reader and a constant student of life.
ZN: Can you walk us through a new milestone you recently added in your life?
PP: Queening With The Empress (#QWTE) is an exciting new online television show that premiered on . . . social media platforms to a very positive audience. It is an engaging show that will be focusing on issues affecting women, with special emphasis on the Zimbabwean woman. The topics that will be discussed range from health, politics, tradition, culture, religion and so on. The programme seeks to strike a balance between tradition and modern (culture) — which is something many women are struggling with at the moment.
ZN: Is it a show just for women?
PP: While it focuses on women, it is important for everyone else to watch as the programme is not only educative but also entertaining. The show airs every Thursday and I will be coming up with new ventures soon.
