The Sunday News
Mbongeni Msimanga, Sunday Leisure Correspondent
STUNNING, elegant and talented!
That just sums up multi-talented Zimbabwean actress and former ZiFM radio presenter Evangelista Mwatse who is now on the verge of clinching an acting role in one of South Africa’s biggest soap operas — Rhythm City.
The actress, who continues to wave her wand in the South African theatre and film scene recently posted pictures on her Facebook account posing with Rhythm City cast, probably signaling yet another breakthrough into the popular soap.
In an interview with Sunday Leisure, the actress who is popularly known as Eve downplayed the lucrative deal that she was about to clinch saying she was not yet able to disclose more information although she confirmed that she was in talks with directors of the South African soap.
“I cannot disclose that information at the moment, but I can say I am in talks with the directors of the soap. Yes, I did post pictures of many actors from Rhythm City, but it does not mean anything as of yet because I have not yet put any pen to paper,” she said.
The actress, who made her breakthrough into the film industry courtesy of the popular comedy Gringo that once hit the Zimbabwean television screen in the early 2000s said she had so far done numerous productions that have been shown on the South African Broadcasting Corporation and believed she was steadily making positive strides in the South African film industry that could see her featuring in some of the most watched soaps.
Although it would seem she is starting to make an impact in the film industry in a different country, Eve said only fate would tell whether she would finally reach her zenith.
“I have done numerous appearances on the theatre scene in Zimbabwe. I have even done productions in the South African showbiz industry. I believe I can make it, although it is a completely different space that I am in now and it feels like I am starting afresh,” said Eve.
She appeared in the popular South African television series, Soul City that produced the film Big House where she played the role of Tariro, an HIV positive mother, something that has probably propelled her image in the South African television scene as she displayed her acting prowess.
With the South African film industry being more lucrative than the Zimbabwean one, Eve said she was happy that she was also being appreciated by viewers from South Africa.
“I have been getting roles in the Soul City produced films such as Big House and have constantly been appearing on SABC. Soul City also shows in 12 countries in southern Africa and in that way one is easily marketed.
“One thing that I am happy about is that I am appreciated by Zimbabweans and South Africans. But I believe Zimbabweans should also appreciate their actors and actresses even when they are still coming up, not just to support them when they have made it. There is a lot of talent in Zimbabwe but they are not recognised. We just need to do more to support up-and-coming talent in the film industry and the arts sector as a whole,” said Eve.
The actress said that there was stiff competition in South Africa than in Zimbabwe so the demand for quality was also high. She said the support that she was getting from family and friends was keeping her going.
“I cannot compare the Zimbabwean film and South African film industry. It is tough this side and there is so much talent. At least I have my husband and son to support me all the way,” she said.
The seasoned actress has also featured in other productions such as Colors of Dreams that was written by Christopher Mlalazi, City of Dreams, Gringo, Estate Blues, and The Gentlemen.
