CAPE TOWN – Zimbabwean creative Zinyamaredehwe, real name, Rodney Zinyama has opened up on his experiences in the comedy industry and the challenges he has faced while living in South Africa.
Zinyamaredehwe, who is known for his sharp wit and satirical humor, has been making a name for himself in the South African comedy scene for the past few years. However, the road to success has not been an easy one for him.
In a recent interview with this publication, Zinyamaredehwe who is also called Thespian Guru, spoke candidly about the difficulties he faced as a foreigner in South Africa. “It was tough at first,” he said.
“I had to work hard to establish myself and prove that I was just as good as any of the local comedians.”
Despite the challenges, Zinyama who is currently based in Cape Town has managed to carve out a successful career for himself in the industry.
“I was never into comedy but I loved comedy so much,” said Zinyama who is a Tour Guide by profession.
“I have always felt like I can be a Paraffin of my time, that’s what pushed me into comedy and the fact that every time there was a gathering I would always be the ‘unhired’ entertainer,” he added.
He ventured into comedy in 2021 together with his friend Hilton Dehwe which led to the creation of Zinyamaredehwe Entertainment.
“I was meant to start this venture with one friend of mine mine but he kept making excuses like “we need cameras, website” and a whole lot of things while I insisted we start with what we have.
“After I realised that am wasting my time, I approached my other friend Hilton Dehwe and that’s how we came up with Zinyamaredehwe,” he explained.
The comedy group also includes two other members Lincoln Wachenuka and Eulander Chikodzi with most of their content available on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.
Zinyama’s unique perspective on life as a Zimbabwean living in South Africa has also been a source of inspiration for his comedy.
“I draw a lot of my material from my own experiences,” he explained. “There’s a lot of humour to be found in the challenges and frustrations that come with being a foreigner in a new country.”
When asked about his plans for the future, Zinyamaredehwe said that he hopes to continue pushing the boundaries of comedy and using his platform to speak out on important issues.
“Comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary,” he said. “I want to use my voice to make a difference and to help bring about positive change.”
Overall, Zinyamaredehwe’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.
Despite the challenges he has faced, he has remained committed to his craft and his message, and his success serves as an inspiration to aspiring comedians everywhere.
