This is the biography of Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, a popular Zimbabwean musician-cum-comedian whose career spans over two decades. He has entertained people with comedic work, which he also blends into his music.
Early Life and Education
Kapfupi was born on 31 October 1976 in Ruwa. His father, Joseph Manjalima, was Malawian and wanted Kapfupi to follow in his footsteps and become a tailor.
His passion for acting began during his primary school years at Raymondale Primary School in Harare. He discovered his love for drama in Grade Four.
After finishing primary school, he enrolled at Domboramwari Secondary School in Epworth. Unfortunately, he dropped out during Form Two and took up various menial jobs, including acting and sewing.
His journey from a farm boy herding cattle to becoming a talented comedian and musician is quite remarkable. Kapfupi started as a farmhand and then worked as a gardener along Mutare Road. Eventually, he joined the stream of actors performing in Harare’s First Street, where he gained notoriety as a skilled comedian.
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Kapfupi Acting And Music Career
In 1998, Kapfupi teamed up with Jeffrey Chikwesere (popularly known as Aphiri) to form the True Vision Drama Club. The club produced a comic-drama series titled “Magariro”, which made Kapfupi a household name. The series was screened on national broadcaster ZTV.
Kapfupi Biography [Image: Standard]
After parting ways with Jeffrey, Kapfupi incorporated live music into his performances, leading to the formation of the band Orchestra Ndoozvo. This marked the beginning of his music career.
In 2005, Kapfupi recorded his debut album titled “Uchakanga Waya”, which received heavy rotation on ZTV. However, it was his song “Mai Nga” that catapulted him to national stardom. The album featured the popular title track and “Juice Card”.
In 2010, the fusion of comedy and music in “Mai Nga” earned him a National Arts Merit Award in the Song of the Year category. Kapfupi continued to produce music and entertain audiences, even making a maiden journey to London in 2013 alongside fellow comedian Marabha.
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Kapfupi Personal Life
Kapfupi Biography [Image: Southern African Celeb]
The comedian is married to Precious “Mai Nga” Kabrito. They have four children: three girls and one boy. He also has an illegitimate child with his ex-girlfriend Patience Chimbare.
In 2023, Kapfupi said he was about the showbiz industry. He said he is leaving his son, Clive “Kapfupi Yut” Manjalima, to take over from him. Clive sings Zimdancehall music.
References
- From herd boy to fame-Notorious Kapfupi – Nehanda radio
- Kapfupi unleashes son – The Herald
- From Comedy Stage to Wedding Aisle: Kapfupi and Mai Nga’s Fairytale Wedding Unveiled in Breathtaking Photos – iHarare
