THE online sitcom The Tinaye Wayne Family has found success in reflecting the everyday struggles of ordinary Zimbabweans grappling with a challenging economic climate marked by high prices, unemployment, corruption, and a failing healthcare system.
Debuting on YouTube, the show portrays a typical family living in the "ghetto" and navigating the difficulties of everyday life further exacerbated by economic hardship.
The family relies on their small, informal tuckshop business to survive until the father makes a dramatic decision to sell it to their rival, Mupostori (played by Nigel Slick Pastor Maritinyu). This sets in motion a series of events that significantly impact the family dynamics.
Utilising the family setting as a lens, the show cleverly tackles various societal issues through humour, providing viewers with a much-needed comedic escape in these difficult times. The introduction of high taxes, for example, is presented through the perspective of a family already struggling to make ends meet, highlighting the real-life impact of such policies on ordinary citizens.
Through its subtle and relatable humor, "The Tinaye Wayne Family" offers a unique and insightful glimpse into the lives of Zimbabweans facing economic hardship. The show's success demonstrates the power of humour to engage audiences while addressing serious social issues.
Tinaye Wayne Chikete, director of Paden Network and lead actor of the online sitcom "The Tinaye Wayne Family," expressed satisfaction with the show's reach and impact. He commented on the positive reception and growing audience, highlighting the show's success in connecting with viewers.
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“It's a good thing that we have been able to build a community around the show. So the show is a good platform for us to address the challenges of the 21st century. In the next production we will be touching on other societal issues such as sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence, pregnancy, HIV and Aids.
We are happy with how the show has been received. Numbers don't lie. The show has generated over 800,000 impressions across social media platforms and in Mbare people are printing CDs so we can't tell the reach,” he said.
In an effort to gain revenue, the show has partnered with TV Yako, a new streaming platform.
“We welcome the TV Yako partform, I think this could be the solution to the film industry which is already on the brink. Such platforms will put an end to statements “zvema drama ndezvemarombe”.
I implore other content creators to jump onto this wagon which I think in a few years will take us to the Promised Land. We haven't made much money from the platform yet but I see the potential. But on the other hand I also advise TV Yako to invest in Television productions and play a part in the movement and put money into productions like Netflix do,” he said.
Paden Network has also partnered with Magamba Network to produce the Gazaland Police Station. On the Tinaye Wayne family show Magamba Network also chipped in with resources for the sitcom to come alive.