CREATIVE comedian and writer-actor Tinaye Chiketa, popularly known as Shefu Tyson in the online satirical show Gazaland Police Station, recently bagged the 2022 Zimstars best actor award at a function held at a local restaurant in Gweru.
Speaking to EnterSportNews, Chiketa said he loves comedy and has always specifically wanted to be a television comedian. This is where his efforts are centred, according to the comedian.
“I love to create art that has the potential to foster change in a positive way,” said Chiketa.
“If (its) creative and it is about changing the status quo, Tinaye would want to be part of it.”
Born and bred in the Sunningdale suburb of Harare, Chiketa started doing stand-up comedy in 2016.
Currently, in Season 2, Gazaland Police Station is a web show about the police force located at a hypothetical high-density station in Gazaland. The show is satirical and seeks to unpack the systematic corruption in the police force as it relates to different issues affecting society.
Chiketa plays Shefu Tyson, the most corrupt officer in charge of the station, which leads a clueless team of police officers.
“I had never won an award before. Growing up in school, I never got the chance to make my parents proud by receiving an award for what I am good at, which is acting,” he said.
“I am really proud of winning the award. This is something (that) I will show my kids. It really means a lot to me to get recognition from Zimstars. It is a reflection of progress.”
“To be honest, it is necessary. Maybe I was about to quit, but then an award came all of a sudden. It is motivating.”
Launched in 2018, the fourth edition of the Zimstars Awards was held on November 26.
The Executive Director of the Zimstars Awards, Tinashe Mandlokuwa, said the event exceeded expectations.
“It was one of the biggest shows we have had, and it was amazing,” Mandlokuwa told EnterSportNews.
“The main highlight was graced by some of the people who inspire my filmmaking side, like Daniel Lasker, Natasha Dhlamini and Tatenda. Not forgetting massive performances from Tanto Wavie and Mugaratia.”
At the 2022 Zimstars Awards, Gazaland Police station was the first runner-up in the Top TV Series category. Tanya Alex – Gazaland was also the Best Actress’ first runner-up winner.
