Hakeem Mandaza Interview
He was on our top ten list of the most handsome men in Zimbabwe, he can sing, act and manages to look good while doing it all. Hakeem has managed to make the most of his Big Brother fame, we caught up with the upcoming multi talented hunk to talk about how life is after a reality competition. Check out the interview below.
Q: How best do you describe Hulk Mandaza?
A: I would like to consider myself as a people’s person,I’m quite laid back, very sociable,humble with a ridiculous sense of humor.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be in the entertainment industry growing up?
A: Entertainment has always been a dream for me and to be honest I always thought my dreams where a bit far fetched until the right opportunity came.
Q: How did Big Brother change your career and would you advice someone to enter the reality show?
A: The Entertainment industry in Zim is cut throat and a bit of a struggle to become known for even the most talented individuals,so Big Brother opened up doors and a new frame of mind to exploring options outside Zimbabwe also the exposure goes without saying,Big brother gave me that springboard I needed to jump start my career.
Q: As a model and singer on the come-up, does being an entertainer in Zimbabwe fully support a good lifestyle?
A: As a model and singer on the come up in all honesty the Entertainment industry in Zimbabwe is not Ideal and also Ideal in the sense that its hard to make a living unless you are exceptionally talented and hard working but at the same time helps you learn the ropes and sharpens your skills towards what you want to achieve so I always say this, “if you can make it in Zimbabwe you can make it anywhere in the world”.
Q: What are the challenges you’re facing in trying to make a name for yourself in the entertainment industry?
A: The main challenge is the Industry in Zim has become one dimensional such that in order to survive u have to make music that appeals to the local market to survive whereas to be internationally recognizable u need to communicate with a multi lingual fan base.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from, what motivates you every day?
A: lol Well I draw my inspiration from nature and life, the things I can connect to, love,passion and the beauty that is life. I am self driven and self motivated always trying to do better and be better .
Q: Do you have any music that we’ll get to hear before the end of the year and who have you been working with?
A: I am currently working on my sophomore album which will mostly consist of my solo projects,a few features from different African Artists and local young and upcoming musicians.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: In five years I see myself grown enough to not only manage myself but also local and upcoming artists on a International level the aim is to earn a recognition beyond our boarders.
Q: Would you consider body building full time?
A: I could never do bodybuilding full time as it limits my other talents that I am still exploring but I would like to use my knowledge and expertise to groom talented individuals that can achieve that.
Q: . Would you consider body building full time?
A: Well in as much as I like to make music I enjoy other people’s music so I go out occasionally and I also like outdoor activities relaxing in nature,I am an adrenalin junkie I like to race,play sport and I am still considering bunjee jumping and sky diving.
Q: Being an entertainer is already fun, do you unwind and what do you do to relax?
A: I appreciate fine art and visit Zim art galleries and Art fares like Hifa,Shoko festival and also stand up comedy shows.
Q: . What are some of your favorite chill spots in Harare?
A: Donny Brooke race course is my number one Chill spot in Harare.Mereki shops, I like the food and natural environment any place where they have good food in Harare u are mostly guaranteed I will be there.
Q: Any special lady in your life?
A: That part of my life I am still trying to keep private
Q: What do you look for in a life partner?
A: In a life partner what I look for the most is Ambition and drive,I am success driven and I would like someone I can also connect with on the same intellectual level,someone genuine,honest,loyal and faithful.
Q: What’s your advice to the Zimbabwean youth?
A: The little advice I would like to give to the Zimbabwean youth is know what u want,how u want to achieve it and be passionate and positive about it.
Q: Where can your fans reach you?
Twitter: @HulkMandaza
Instagram:@HakeemAfrica
F.B Hakeem the African Dream
