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Freddy ‘Kapfupi’ Manjalima

Problem Masau  Arts Correspondent
It appears that the sun is setting for Epworth-based comedian Kapfupi (pictured) amid revelations that his popularity has taken a nosedive, forcing him to stage shows outside Harare.He is also reportedly failing to pay his workers.

What is happening to Kapfupi is in sharp contrast to his short, but fruitful venture that saw him staging shows alongside the likes of Suluman Chimbetu, Alick Macheso and Jah Prayzah.

At one time, he was so popular that he was even able to hold his own shows in nearly every high-density suburb in Harare and even faraway places like Gweru. However, he could not maintain the momentum, forcing him to retreat to the outskirts of Harare, in anticipation of a come- back.

“I have limited shows in Harare. I play where I have a following,” said Kapfupi.
Recently, he was at Dotcom’s show at Mverechena Hotel, made an appearance at the Chimbetu Commemorations Dinner at Belgravia Sports Club before going back to Shamva, Chirundu and Mukumbura to stage shows.

It seems the musician is also facing financial problems and has since sold some of his cars and closed his bar he opened in 2011 in Epworth when his song “Mai Nga” was a hit.

Kapfupi is at loggerheads with band members whom he is allegedly failing to pay.
“It is not that rosy in our band. Our appearance fees have been cut and at times he fails to pay us,” said a senior band member at Orchestra Ndozvoo.

Kapfupi said although the chips were down, he hopes that his coming album will spur him to dizzy heights.

“I will be releasing an album on October 31. This is the day I was born and I hope the album will be well received,” he said.
Things have quickly changed for Kapfupi, who early this year was celebrating his success with a song titled “Nhoroondo”.

It had become a habit for the award-winning singer to open his shows with the song.
The comedian-cum-singer said he was inspired to write the song because it touches on his life.

“Everything has its history. Most people know how I started. I am satisfied with the progress that I have made so far. God has been good. I never imagined that I would get this far,” he said in an interview early this year.

At one point he even had bodyguards on his payroll.
Kapfupi made his name on the streets of Harare as a comedian along First Street together with his longtime ally Jeffrey “Aphiri” Chikwesere of the “Kuuraya Munhu” fame.

Born 36 years ago in Ruwa, Kapfupi attended Raymondale Primary School, where his passion for acting started in Grade Four.
This was to continue in high school at Domboramwari Secondary School in Epworth, where he unfortunately dropped out in Form Two and had to take up several menial jobs that included acting and sewing.

In 1998 he teamed up with Chikwesere to form True Vision Drama Club.