POPULAR local actor and comedian Admire Kuzhangaira, popularly known as Bhutisi, has rekindled fresh memories of the much-famed yesteryear TV drama series, The Mukadota Family, through the release of #Continuity.
Bhutisi plays the main character Mukadota (Baba Rwizi), popularised in the 80s by the late actor and musician Safirio Madzikatire.
Speaking to EnterSportNews Bhutisi said they want to carry forward Madzikatire’s legacy with the help of his son Elijah.
“He has promised to guide me and gave me his blessings after highlighting my intentions. Watching me perform, he singled out my voice, indicating that is where Mukadota’s character is mainly drawn from,” said Bhutisi.
The Mukadota Family was a Shona drama series aired on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Television in the 80s and early 90s.
Continuity currently has three characters: Florence Chaurura as Mai Rwizi, Gladys Dzaputa as Katarina and Bhutusi as Baba Rwizi.
“We have many others as supporting acts. We want to use this platform to explore modern-day issues through the Mukadota family.”
“On the Mukadota character continuity, I have discovered nothing new under the sun.
“We are taught to think outside the box, and everybody is doing so much, but there are simple things and formats done by those who are long gone, for example, Madzikatire. Characters like these should not die.”
Bhutisi, alongside his associate Rolland Lunga (Boss Kedha), popularised skits on social media back in 2014. He is a National Arts and Merit Awards (NAMA) nominee for the best male actor and also received a special mention for his contribution to film and television.
So far, #Continuity has recorded three skits but released, and plans are already in place to post the other two online without much delay.
“It is amazing playing Mukadota. He was a big shot. I am not replacing him. I am just carrying forward from where he exited the stage. His shoes are too big to fill. Am proud and happy to be playing Baba Rwizi,” he said.
Bhutisi emphasised that he always liked Mukadota, his productions and his songs. He mentions in this country, and there is no funding for content creators.
“There is no industry to say thereby we cannot do bigger projects which require a lot of money, so we have to choose simple storylines that are dialogue driven to entertain,” said Bhutisi.
“I am responsible for writing the scripts with the guidance of people around, especially the audience.
“They are the ones that drive the direction we take. We pay close attention to the comments and things they love, especially about Baba Rwizi.”
“Fans should brace for a great year-ending. Things will be more exciting on PO Box reloaded. At the end of the day, the plan is to have a Safirio Madzikatire Festival.”
