The Sunday News
Nkosilesisa Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
“NO . . . HE LOOKS LIKE ME!!!” reads a caption on local MC and talk show host Arthur Ace Evans’ recently uploaded Instagram photo . . .
The photo is a grid, with Evans on one side and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on the other.
The resemblance is uncanny. It is difficult to look past their light skin, “action-hero” physique, similarly shaped noses, bracket dimples on both left cheek and the dark jawlines darkened by a few days of not shaving.
As if it is not enough that they could pass for brothers, they seem to have more in common than just their looks.
1 They are sportsmen
Before becoming a professional wrestler, The Rock played university football and aspired to be a professional football star.
Arthur on the other hand was vice captain of the Under-20 Zimbabwe Athletics team, specialising in Hurdles and serving as a reserve for the 400m race.
2 They are intellectuals
Now a lot of people may not know this but The Rock holds a degree in Criminology and Physiology, while Arthur holds two diplomas; one in Project Management and another in Business Leadership.
3 They have talk show experience
Arthur was in Top Billing’s presenter search in 2015 and is currently in post-production for his own television show, The Arthur C Evans Show, which is set to premiere on DSTV’s Zambezi Magic and remember when The Rock co-hosted Saturday Night Live with fellow WWE superstars Triple H and Mick Foley?
4 Both are music men
In 2000, The Rock’s vocals were featured on Wyclef Jean’s song, It Doesn’t Matter. The Rock went on to appear in the music video. Arthur was in an accapella group and has sung in choirs.
5 Proud daddies of little girls
Arthur has a daughter, Jessica with his wife Lorna while The Rock has two daughters; Simone Alexandra with ex-wife Dany Garcia and Jasmine who he had in 2011 with Lauren Hashian.
6 Interesting Heritage
The Rock is of Samoan and American descent. Arthur’s great grandfather was a Welshman who came to Zimbabwe in the Great Trek, making him one of the first pioneers of the country.
7 Catch Phrases
Know that feeling when The Rock walks into the ring, in his “Just Bring It” vest and then shouts, “If you smeeeellllllll what The Rock is cooking”? Well, Arthur has catch phrases too.
He accompanies most of his social media posts with #YouAcedIt and ends his presentations with, “Remember, there are many cards in the pack, but there’s only one Ace.”
8 Impressive Acting Skills
Pain and Gain, The Game Plan, The Fast and Furious franchise, we could spend the entire day going through The Rock’s filmography. Arthur also happens to be an actor, his latest work being the lead role in the 2015 Pantomime held at Bulawayo Theatre.
9 They are Humanitarians
Having been formerly affiliated to Khayelihle Children’s Home and Emthunzini Wethemba Children’s Home, Arthur decided to make it a point to send one child to school in a year.
The Rock launched The Rock Foundation for terminally ill children and is part of the Make a Wish Foundation.
10 Both are authors
The Rock published his autobiography, The Rock Says with contributor Joseph Layden in 2000.
Arthur is presently working on a motivational book with John Nyoni and Robert Munjanganja.
“I think The Rock just had a head start, otherwise in work ethic and value addition, we are pretty much the same. Size-wise, he is way bigger than me but it is always humbling to be compared to someone who has achieved as much,” said Arthur.
@nkocykay
