BY SHARON SIBINDI Dynamite comes in small packages, the saying goes, but it is also the best way to describe award-winning Cadrick Khekhe Msongelwa, who recently took their award-winning theatre production titled Zandezi to the United States.
Growing up in Makokoba, Bulawayo — Msongelwa had a “thing” for acting, but his dream was to become a footballer. His acting career was then discovered during his high school days at Gifford and Mzilikazi schools. He then trained at Schools Playwrights and Actors Academy, which is now Children in Theatre and Television for three years.
In 2017, Msongelwa moved to Harare with his friend Ronald “Madolax” Sigeca to pursue their acting career. On his journey to stardom, Msongelwa has charmed audiences in many countries, amassing three awards such as the National Arts Merit Award (NAMA) and RoilBulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAA).
How it started
“I grew up with the love for acting but didn’t see it as a career that I would pursue in my life I thought I would be a footballer. I ended up doing theatre.
“I won’t lie I don’t regret what I am doing it! This is the thing, people should know. I dropped soccer, I didn’t quit( I play for fun) and put my focus on theatre and this is the first profession that I discovered in me and i went all in baby!,” Msongelwa said.
Theatre expedition
“That you have asked me about my journey like precise, it takes three forms before the discovery of my voice, being discovered and taking the responsibility to develop myself.
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“Of late I have provoked some names trying to mention who has gotten me to where I am but God knows and people should understand that not being mentioned doesn’t mean you are not being appreciated. In my life am grateful for everyone I have met in the years I have lived. I thank God for the gift of life.
“In my neighborhood — Makokoba I was surrounded by art from all the four corners. My primary education at St Patrick’s Primary School, I was into sports and arts related activities. Going to church at St Columbus Anglican. I did drama from Sunday School plays like Birth of Jesus and Passion of Christ. I come from a religious family and I believe this is a God-given talent I have.
“Amakhosi Cultural Centre and Siyaya at Stanley Square were there too. Growing up we got to watch performances by these amazing, talented and professional actors and dancers. Some we saw on TV, they made you want to be like them or to just be successful because they looked happy and enjoyed what they did.
“I feel I was discovered by the City during my high school days. At Gifford and Mzilikazi High School. I did a play with Gifford High at a schools competition from that day I was in for it. It was the beginning of great moves. I trained with by then Schools Playwrights and Actors Academy for three years (2012-2015).
“I further went on to Centre for Talent Development for five years, I was training and performing in both these institutions. I worked with great people, great ensemble that I will forever be grateful I got to be part of. During that time I was making a lot with friends at Amakhosi or in the youth centres all this in acting”.
In 2017, he moved to Harare to learn and continue to develop himself .
“After getting advice from my home city mentors, I made that move to the capital (Harare) for further training with my great friend Ronald “Madolax” Sigeca at an institution — Zimbabwe theatre Academy”.
Gongs
“I hold three gongs in my name current reigning NAMA 20 outstanding actor and two-time RoilBAA19 and current reigning RoilBAA21 outstanding actor.”
“I was nominated in the RoilBAAs for three consecutive times on the outstanding actor category and once for outstanding newcomer category RoilBAA19 and twice in the NAMAs 18th and 20th edition.”
Inspiration
“My inspiration was my injury I guess. I got injured ( my right arm wrist) when I was playing football. The team that I was playing for, didn’t take care of me the way they were supposed to. During that period my sister was always telling me “I told you let go of your soccer but you are stubborn,” said the artist.
“So I hid my injury from my sisters lying to everyone saying it’s healing and I was always with a bandage on my wrist. During that time I went for a holiday to Mozambique where my dad was working. It was then, the guy made me to remove that bandage because I was saying I want to go train with the local team.
“I got treated in Mozambique for free and transport was free to and from the hospital with the help of my step mom( I miss her). My dad said no more soccer and it was then. I thought most people always enjoyed seeing me on stage in my church and I was inspired to continue doing drama. When I came back from the holiday, it was all things theatre now. I said yes to the arts.”
Midas touch
He said the secret to his success was through collaborations. I don’t do it alone that’s the great and fun part about theatre unless you are doing a solo show,” he said.
“Effort and risk , as an actor I put my own effort and take my own risks, kindness towards yourself, others and the work you do. I train myself to always learn, unlearn and re-learn.
“Know who you are, listen to your voice and what you want, who you want to work with, know your worth because most people wish you don’t know.
Outside theatre industry
“I make money. I try to do work and keep myself busy if am not hired somewhere I work at home. I have worked as a farmer, backyard cleaner, shopkeeper of late . I can literally do anything if someone teaches me. I am fast learner.
Ups and downs
“It has always been about survival for me and many other young people. I feel sad when I look at other countries and how young people there doing the same thing I do in Zimbabwe prosper in all aspects of their lives.”
“We as the young generation we need employment or better conditions with resources to create our own employment with our own hands and benefit from that .We wake up everyday to create work but we don’t eat the fruits of the work instead the more we work, the more we suffer. Drug abuse, prostitution, take over and a lot follows after that.
Best moments
“First nomination Nama 2019 for outstanding actor. Studying physical theatre in the US for one year in 2019/20. My highest paying acting job in Zim (If I could do five of such paying productions in one year then my kids and family is taken care).”
For every experience you get: What are the biggest things you have learnt?
“Treat others the same way you want to be treated. When people reject you or don’t support you, don’t blame them, do what you got do. Focus on you but be open to new people coming into your life, make new friends. That way you will grow emotionally and intellectually,” he said.
“Talk to people, make connections be kind and have empathy toward others. Humble yourself and humble your dreams. Don’t forget where you come from or who you are. That’s your identity. It’s better to get lost in the jungle knowing who you are than being lost and unidentifiable. Who will you say you are? Where will they take you to?.”
