By Gumisai Nyoni
Scriptwriter and community development activist Nyasha Nhau officially launched the trailer of a television drama series, Soulmate Telanova, which he also subsequently packaged into a novel. The event was supported by various local stakeholders, as well as South Africa-based Zimbabwean musician-cum-businessman Precious Hanya.
The online launch, done via Facebook on August 31, involved multiple activities, including question-and-answer sessions regarding the drama series, with successful participants winning prizes.
The trailer for the first of the six seasons of Soulmate Telanova was released in form of a musical video under the name Never Give Up or Life Goes On.
Speaking to Standard Style on the love and crime drama Nhau, said the objective of the series was to bring awareness to audiences of various backgrounds on criminal activities and love entanglements that transpire in urban areas.
“Soulmate Telanova is made up of six intriguing seasons. The launch we did was for the first season and we used the song I wrote as the theme, deriving its message from the drama series script,” Nhau said.
“The singing was done by Zimbabwean songstress and actress based in the United Kingdom, Paket Gowera, featuring the Nyoni twins — Thandolwenkosi and Thembinkosi, the latter now based in China.
“Our themes are primarily focused on exposing crime and love pitfalls that affect different people in the societies we live.”
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Nhau said the drama series’ target will not be confined to Zimbabwe, but seeks to penetrate international markets. After a setback in relation to its production for several years after the death of its main sponsor, Christopher Pasipamire, in 2012, production is expected to continue uninterrupted following Hanya’s intervention to support people with disabilities.
“We received massive support for our launch. There were several followers of our programme who are eager to pour resources so that we can widen our reach by screening on various television channels in Zimbabwe and outside,” Nhau said.
“Regional penetration is our priority as we move to make our production international.
“Beyond being a mirror of the society, the drama series seeks to function as an encouragement to the greater majority who may have found it difficult in life. Instead of giving up, we say soldier on.”
Hanya, who is proactive in backing community development projects in Chitungwiza, supplied, inter alia, regalia for the launch, including T-shirts and caps. In addition, he sponsored prizes that participants won.
“I feel ecstatic to take part in the launch of Soulmate Telanova. The drama series dwells on realism than fictional entertainment,” Hanya said.
“Nhau has also shown us that being disabled can’t take away the ability to transform our communities. His creativity is something I cherish and wish to support through my Mr P brand.”
Soulmate Telanova consists of the “Famous Eight” as the main cast and other supporting actors, as well as actresses.
Moonlight Funeral Services and Dzimbahwe Lodges have been the pillars of its production when it was consummated in 2010.
It is expected to premiere on local screens early next year.
