Top 20 Most Inspirational Zimbabwean Youth 2018 PT2
6. Chriss Grey
Christine Midzi better known as Chriss Grey is part of the breakfast trio on ZiFM Stereo’s, The Ignition. She adds the feminine and more youthful voice to the team alongside veterans, TK Katsande and Marc Pozzo. When she’s not serving breakfast, she joins the boys club on ZiFM’s Sports show. She joins seasoned sports casters, Barry Manandi, Mike Madoda, Alois Bunjira and Marc Pozzo. She recently co-hosted the Castle Lager PSL awards red carpet proving that she is one to watch out for. In 2018, Chriss has been the host of Sables TV, Zimbabwe’s Senior Men’s Rugby Team content vehicle, as well as The Gold Cup Round Up, for Rugby Africa. She has interviewed the likes of Danai Gurira, Luke Mbah a Moute (NBA) and Olympic Gold medallist Kirsty Coventry. Chriss Grey is proof that you can play with the boys and still be a boss lady.
7. Asaph
Who’s on the throne in Zim hip hop? In 2018, Asaph claimed the throne with his hit song ‘Mambo’. Born Tafadzwa Tarukwana, the Bulawayo native has had a great year in entertainment. He made history with his single ‘Mambo’ topping ZiFM Stereo charts for three consecutive weeks. The single continued to be in the top 10 of the Gtel Top 40 Charts. Asaph wowed crowds with his debut performance at UnPlugged Zimbabwe, in August alongside South African headliner, Shekhinah. In terms of awards, Asaph nabbed himself a number of awards including Outstanding hip-hop award at the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards. He also held bagged three Zim Hip Hop awards including Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Best Collaboration. At the 2018 Skyz Metro FM music awards he was nominated in two categories Best Hip Hop and Best Male. Asaph like those before him, keeps pushing hip hop culture into Zimbabwean mainstream. He is also inspiring diversity through having artists from other cities outside the capital city doing well.
8. Chiedza Danha and Ellinah Mtandwa
Outdoor events are big in Zimbabwe and are often predominantly held by male promoters. And then in 2012, two young women brought in a sophistication with picnic blankets and wine. Think of those mothers who want to go out, dance and enjoy a glass of wine without worrying about their kids. Or maybe, there are those who aren’t fans of the nightlife at clubs but want an atmosphere where they can dance. Chiedza Danha and Ellinah Mtandwa gave Harare, Unplugged, a monthly event of socialising, live music and an experience for the whole family. Unplugged has also become a space to promote local artists as well as bring in international artists. Both childhood friends, Chiedza and Ellinah have taken their passion for a great day out into a viable business. They have earned the respect of both corporate and entertainment with their good branding and marketing skills. The thirty-something duo prove that women can work well together and have fun in the process.
9. Simba Mubvuma
This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list saw four Zimbabweans making the list. One of the candidates is 26-year-old Simba Mubvuma. Mubvuma co-founded Lexware Inc., a tech company which uses innovative technological solutions for the legal profession in Africa. The company was birthed in 2014, when he and a university friend created a program called Lex Mobile. It allowed law students to access court judgments and legislation from smartphones without the need for the internet. Lexware has trained freelance developers to utilize their skills in software development. The company has done business with many prestigious law firms around the continent.
10. Aurra Kawanzaruwa
The name Aurra is synonymous with urban, Zimbabwean poetry. However, Aurra Kawanzaruwa has a larger brand. She has gone from spoken word, to music, radio and even television. At 29, Aurra has built a name for herself and has rubbed shoulders with big names in both corporate and entertainment. Aurra’s portfolio included being a touring spoken word artist. In 2010 she joined PowerFM where she did 3 am – 6 am shift. 2012, she joined Star FM She started Nafuna TV with Enqore in 2011. Nafuna TV has won several awards for its productions, of which most, Aurra played a major role in, including production for the Tonight With Zororo show. She joined StarFM in 2013 as a producer for The Breakfast Club. In 2014, after she then moved to 326 Express with Leandar Kandiero and Phathisani Sibanda .Following her departure from Nafuna, Aurra started her own company, Aurra Nicole Group. Aurra Nicole Group, is a pan-African investment firm, which has 4 subsidiaries. With it she started a mentorship program for young children called, Little Entrepreneurs. The program which was inspired by Aurra’s daughter, has grown and received corporate investment. She has worked for Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) as head of social content, then promoted to Head of Channel for Business Weekly TV. She then moved to tbe AB Comnunications owned newspaper, Business Times as the Online Editor. Recently she was appointed as the Group Content Specialist for AB Communications Group which oversees ZiFM Stereo, Hevoi FM, 98.7 amongst many subsidiaries. Recently, she was appointed Board Member for Digital Communications Network (DCN) Africa, a World Learning initiative, where Aurra is responsible for network development across the African continent. Aurra is an award winning, modern day business woman and mother. She is a continuous work in progress and making progress in her career.
