In a quiet room filled with anticipation on a sunny Friday afternoon, Simba sat down with Chiedza Rwodzi, a writer, life coach, actor, and creative entrepreneur, whose work has been making waves. The conversation began with a glimpse into Chiedza’s creative world.
Simba Dikanifuwa (SD): “Chiedza, can you tell us a bit about your creative process as a writer and actor?”
Chiedza’s eyes lit up as she began to speak. “My inspiration comes from personal experiences and the world around me,” she explained. “I find people fascinating, and as an introvert, I love observing them. This helps me draw inspiration from society, communities, and the world at large. Everyone has a story to tell, and I aim to capture these stories in my work.”
Simba leaned in slightly, drawn in by her enthusiasm. The conversation flowed naturally, touching on the challenges of pursuing the arts in Zimbabwe.
SD: “What motivated you to pursue a career in the arts?” Simba asked, his interest piqued.
Chiedza reminisced with a nostalgic smile, “It all started in high school. I loved making people laugh, and over time, I realized that the arts could empower people and help heal the world. Despite the challenges, seeing the impact of my work on others keeps me going. It’s about filling a void and feeling responsible for contributing to the world through my art.”
As they delved deeper, Chiedza shared the vision behind her theater company, Unshaded Arts. “Unshaded Arts is dedicated to producing new plays that shine a light on universal stories driven by marginalized voices,” she said passionately. “We aim to give a platform to those who might not otherwise have one. It’s about creating opportunities and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.”
Simba was intrigued, his expression reflecting deep thought. “How do you ensure that the stories you tell resonate with a wide audience while staying true to your vision?”
Chiedza pondered for a moment, her thoughtful expression revealing the depth of her commitment. “Everything in life is a gamble, and writing is no different. I try to reflect my values in my work without judging my characters. It’s about giving them the freedom to express themselves authentically. This approach helps make the work relatable and allows the story to write itself.”
When asked about dealing with writer’s block, Chiedza shared her unique approach. “Every writer is different. Sometimes, you have the freedom to leave the work and come back to it. Other times, you’re commissioned and have deadlines. It’s tough, but you have to push through. I find being out in nature helps. It calms me and inspires me. I also love painting and find it therapeutic. Another thing I find oddly therapeutic is ironing. I know it sounds weird, but it’s almost like coloring. This helps me return to my work with a fresh perspective.”
Simba raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. “Ironing and coloring? I can’t quite see the connection there.”
Chiedza laughed. “I know it sounds strange, but for me, ironing is like coloring. It’s repetitive and calming.”
Simba chuckled, still perplexed. “I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”
Chiedza continued, her voice tinged with humor. “As adults, we often forget to play. We get so caught up in our responsibilities that we don’t give ourselves time to relax and have fun. But play is essential for creativity. It helps us see things from a fresh perspective and keeps our minds flexible.”
Simba nodded in agreement, reflecting on his own experiences. “You also need to allow yourself to be bored sometimes. It’s in those moments of boredom that creativity can truly flourish. When you’re not constantly stimulated, your mind has the space to wander and come up with new ideas. Personally, I find that playing video games like FIFA helps me relax and often sparks new ideas.”
Chiedza’s face lit up as she talked about her love for water. “Water inspires me,” she said with a serene smile. “When I’m around water, it has a calming effect on my mind, which is often filled with a million thoughts. It helps me hear myself think and brings clarity. I often post pictures of water or nature on my Instagram because they inspire me so much.”
Simba found this fascinating and a bit odd, yet captivating. “It’s interesting how something as simple as water can be such a profound source of inspiration,” he remarked, clearly intrigued by Chiedza’s unique perspective.
The conversation took a celebratory turn as they discussed Chiedza’s award-winning short film, “Daughter of the Soil.” “It’s incredibly rewarding,” she said, her pride evident. “I didn’t write it, but I co-produced and was the executive producer. Working with other African creatives was special. The awards were a collective effort, and it feels great to see our work recognized. Representation is important to me, and I hope young girls and women see themselves in our work. Seeing a black woman like Angela Bassett inspired me, and I hope our work inspires others. When I was young, I watched ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It,’ and Angela Bassett’s performance planted the seed of my love for acting.”
Looking ahead, Chiedza shared her excitement about her upcoming short film, “Anne.” “Anne was shot a while ago and is set to be released in 2024. It’s different from my previous work, and I’m excited for everyone to see it. The film has been making rounds in various festivals, and I hope it resonates with audiences.”
Chiedza also spoke about her aspirations for Unshaded Arts. Although based in the UK, she hopes to take some of their work around the world, including back to Zimbabwe. “Stories connect us, and they help create empathy and unity. We all feel pain, joy, and grief, and stories help us see that commonality.”
As the interview drew to a close, Simba asked for advice for aspiring artists. “Be open to how your dream will unfold and use the resources available to you,” Chiedza advised, her words carrying the weight of experience. “Don’t be afraid to create and put your work out there, even if it’s not perfect. The most important thing is to keep pushing and not give up, even when faced with challenges.”
Chiedza then reflected on her own journey, sharing a pivotal moment. “When I first auditioned for drama school, I didn’t get in. For about three years, I studied business instead. It felt like a detour, but during that time, I found opportunities to take drama classes and eventually applied to drama school again. That detour actually helped me a lot in the creative industry.
“Sometimes, the dream calls you again, and you have to be open to how it will unfold.”
With a thoughtful pause, Chiedza added, “The journey in the arts is not always straightforward. It’s filled with unexpected turns and challenges, but each experience shapes you and brings you closer to your true calling. Embrace the journey, stay true to your passion, and let your creativity guide you.”
Simba then shared a funny story about his own writing journey. “I once sent Chiedza a piece I had written, and she asked me what I wanted the readers to feel and who I thought would read it. Her questions made me rethink my approach, and I ended up scrapping the piece and starting over.”
Chiedza laughed and said, “Ohhh, my gosh, that wasn’t what I was trying to make you do. Like, that wasn’t the intention.”
Simba continued, “It was a valuable lesson in understanding the purpose behind my writing.”
Chiedza smiled and added, “It’s important to just finish your pieces, whether they’re good or bad. The act of completing something is crucial. You can always go back and improve it later, but getting to the end is the first step.
“Don’t be afraid to put your work out there, even if it’s not perfect.”
-Chiedza Rwodzi
As the interview wrapped up, it was clear that Chiedza’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and staying true to one’s purpose. Everyone has a story to tell, her insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring artists and creatives everywhere. Whether it’s finding inspiration in the mundane, like ironing, or embracing the calming influence of nature, Chiedza’s story reminds us that creativity knows no bounds. Her dedication to giving a voice to the marginalized and her commitment to her craft continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of artists.
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