The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi
Filmmaker and videographer Willard Magombedze — known as Slimaz in the arts industry — is in limbo after he was deserted by his crew.
Magombedze is the brains behind several interesting television productions, among them “Tunga” and “Hakata”.
He has also produced exciting music videos for high-flying musicians like Jah Prayzah, Andy Muridzo, Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania), DJ Maphorisa (South Africa) and Aliona Banda (Malawi).
At least five senior members of his production team abandoned him over payments that have not been coming through for close to four years.
The bitter crew accused Slimaz of being a liar and selfish.
Those who left include “Tunga” lead actors Takura Kachambwa (Tunga), Cliff Taruvinga (Tonderai), Tinotenda Kuimba (Jekenje), Penelope Chadenga (Tambu) and Grivies Chengeta (Mudanhi).
The development came as a major blow to Slimaz, who was in the process of shooting “Tunga” season 10.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, the filmmaker-cum-actor said it was now difficult to continue with work.
“We have halted everything after losing key characters of the production. I was hoping we would be done with season 10 by now. However, we are back to the drawing board. I am now on the market, scouting for fresh talent to replace those who have left,” he said.
The “Tunga” producer scoffed at allegations that he was greedy.
“It is unfortunate that my colleagues thought I was selfish. The assumption is that I was making a lot of money, which is not the case.
“Most of our social media platforms are not monetised. Also, most of the productions we sold to local television stations are yet to be paid for,” he explained.
However, the filmmaker reckons the future looks bright despite the setback.
“Patience always pays. I have secured a good sponsor for our productions. Salary payment issues will now be a thing of the past under the new deal.
“Yes, we have been struggling financially but better days beckon.”
The “Tunga” production, he added, will continue.
“I am the brainchild of the production, so it will not die. I will get new actors and groom them to replace the departed veterans. I want to assure fans that season 10 will be out soon,” said Slimaz.
The former actors are not amused.
“It is a case of old wine in a new container. I feel sorry for the new guys he is going to recruit. They are going to suffer just like we did. The guy is full of empty promises. I know for a fact that he made money but was never willing to share,” said Chengeta.
Chadenga added: “When I joined ‘Tunga’ in 2016, I was optimistic that my life could change for the better. I worked hard for the brand to grow.
“However, over the years, I began to realise that I was toiling for nothing. Slimaz should change his attitude. No one gets motivated to work without remuneration.”
Kuimba says players in the film industry need to respect each other.
“The same happened to Naiza Boom; he lost his members because he did not want to pay them.
“Filmmakers are making a lot through exploiting actors, which is bad. We all have families to take care of,” he said.
