Diamond Boy picks gem

Munyaradzi Chidzonga

FORMER Big Brother Africa finalist Munyaradzi Chidzonga has landed a role in one of South Africa’s top drama series Rhythm City, Showbiz can exclusively reveal.

The popular soapie airs on free to air channel Etv.

Also known as the Diamond Boy or Mukoma, Chidzonga has already started shooting for the soapie’s forthcoming season.

In an exclusive interview with Showbiz, the soapie’s casting director and public relations manager Nolwazi Shange confirmed the development.

“Yes indeed it’s a great honour and we are happy to have him (Chidzonga) as part of our cast. He will be playing a character called Israel,” Nolwazi said being cautious not to pre-empty details.

Chidzonga said he was not at liberty to shed finer details in line with his production house policy which respects protocol.

“I can only say we thank God and tichachimhanya (will do my best),” Chidzonga said.

Munyaradzi Chidzonga and President Robert Mugabe at State House.

Rhythm City is popular in both South Africa and Zimbabwe with shrewd characters like David Genaro.

It premiered on Etv in 2007 after replacing Backstage.

Chidzonga’s long and decorated career in the entertainment industry justifies his inclusion in the cast.

He participated in two editions of BBA (2010 and 2012) and was runner up in the first edition affording him an opportunity to meet President Mugabe upon which he left the State House $300 000 richer after local moguls splashed money on him.

Chidzonga holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Motion Picture attained from the prestigious AFDA institution in Cape Town.

In 2012 he won the best actor award at the National Arts Merit Award for his role in the movie The Gentleman which featured award winning  South African star Presley Chwenayagae of the Tsotsi fame.

He also has a feature film with the British Council and is the founder of Ivory Pictures-producers of Lobola which is arguably Zimbabwe’s major highest sales raking movie.

His selection for one of South Africa’s biggest soapies is surely no fluke.

Chidzonga is married to songstress Adiona Chidzonga and they have two children. – Showbiz.co.zw