THE digital age has propelled content creation as citizens utilise platforms such as Tiktok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook to engage audiences.
From these content creators emerged skits, where comedians such as Mama Vee born Admire Muzhambi, Mbuya vaPiyasoni real name Kudzai Chengedza, Theophilus “Astra Mai Kirifodhi” Chigumira, Nigel Tha Slick Pastor or simply Nijo born Nigel Maritinyu, among others, became popular through social media while some of them scooped gongs at the country’s prestigious awards including the National Arts Merit Awards.
These comedians expanded their fan base on digital platforms and their talents has been celebrated.
Among rising stars on the comedy scene is Bruce Jaden Mawadza whose name on social media is Sax Guru.
Mawadza told NewsDay Life & Style in an interview that his journey into comedy began with humble origins growing up in Rusape, Manicaland province, before he relocated to the capital when he was in secondary school.
“I later discovered passion for the craft when I started acting during the school assembly. Nurturing this talent while performing to a small audience and schoolmates, I had the courage to act during competitions for Harare schools and came in second position,” he said.
During performances at school entertaining fellow students with impromptu jokes, the comedian had an incredible ability of making those around him happy.
“I used to tease people during lessons just to draw their attention and make my fellow classmates laugh, that is how it all started. So, the idea is to find laughter in the ordinary, see what is missing in the comedy industry and find how best to captivate a bigger audience. However, it is not easy to make people laugh because they have different preferences, what someone likes, others don’t,” the comedian said.
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Besides being a comedian, Mawadza has ventured into other art genres — music producer, musician and instrumentalist — showcasing his multi-faceted creative abilities.
