📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text.

I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival!

Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.

In this episode, I share my interview with Joe Njagu.

🎧🎙️ Up next: My interview with breakout star, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.

For more information:

Victoria Falls Boxing Academy & Children's Home: https://victoriafallsboxingacademy.com/about-us/

Website: https://risezimbabwe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rise.zimbabwe

Cast & Credits

Directed and Written by Jessica J. Rowlands

Producer

Joe Njagu

Cinematographer

Jacques Naudé

Composer

Max Uldahl

Editor

Paul Watts, Roman Kuznets

Executive Producer

Tobias Mupfuti, Tongayi Chirisa, Elizabeth Morse Gilcreast, Barbara Lettieri, Juliette Duran

Key Production Team

Joe Njagu, Nakai Matema, Leonard Matsa, Philip Marumha, Taurai Kawara, Wilson Biswell

Camera/Lighting Team

Jacques Naudé, Diogo Domingues, Farai Chimombe, Gregory Shambare, Nigel Ncube

Art Department & Sound

Mmeli Mabhikwa, Kelli Barker, Kundai Mandivheyi, Chelsea Mangwiro, Kuda Sombi, Simon

Original Vocals & Music

Hope Masike, Tawanda T Maoneni, Mokoomba, David HD Hondoyedzomba, Leo Magozz, Jah

Cast

Tongayi Chirisa, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, Edmet Dube, Kelvin Taliana, Cilemeko Tickey Mudenda, Charles Ndlovu, Prudence Mubaiwa, Samson Mdimba, Phineas Makuvaza, Tobias Mupfuti

Contacts

International Sales + US Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

Press Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

#ZimExcellence #RISEFilm #Tribeca2025 #ZimbabweToTheWorld

Support the show

>> Support the show<<
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791151/support

>> Sign up for Vongai's podcast workshop<<
https://vongai.com/podcastcreation

>> Buy ZimExcellence Merch <<
https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore

📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text.

I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival!

Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.

In this episode, I share my interview with Jacques Naudé.

🎧🎙️ Up next: My interview with producer, Joe Njagu

For more information:

Website: https://risezimbabwe.com/jacquesnaude

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rise.zimbabwe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jacquesnaude/

🍿Upcoming Screenings

Galway Film Fleadh (In-person on 9th July)

Indy Shorts International Film Festival (Virtual + In-person 22nd-27th July)

Cast & Credits

Directed and Written by Jessica J. Rowlands

Producer

Joe Njagu

Cinematographer

Jacques Naudé

Composer

Max Uldahl

Editor

Paul Watts, Roman Kuznets

Executive Producer

Tobias Mupfuti, Tongayi Chirisa, Elizabeth Morse Gilcreast, Barbara Lettieri, Juliette Duran

Key Production Team

Joe Njagu, Nakai Matema, Leonard Matsa, Philip Marumha, Taurai Kawara, Wilson Biswell

Camera/Lighting Team

Jacques Naudé, Diogo Domingues, Farai Chimombe, Gregory Shambare, Nigel Ncube

Art Department & Sound

Mmeli Mabhikwa, Kelli Barker, Kundai Mandivheyi, Chelsea Mangwiro, Kuda Sombi, Simon

Original Vocals & Music

Hope Masike, Tawanda T Maoneni, Mokoomba, David HD Hondoyedzomba, Leo Magozz, Jah

Cast

Tongayi Chirisa, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, Edmet Dube, Kelvin Taliana, Cilemeko Tickey Mudenda, Charles Ndlovu, Prudence Mubaiwa, Samson Mdimba, Phineas Makuvaza, Tobias Mupfuti

Contacts

International Sales + US Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

Press Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

#ZimExcellence #RISEFilm #Tribeca2025 #ZimbabweToTheWorld

Support the show

>> Support the show<<
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791151/support

>> Sign up for Vongai's podcast workshop<<
https://vongai.com/podcastcreation

>> Buy ZimExcellence Merch <<
https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore

📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text.

I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival!

Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.

In this episode, I share my interview with Tobias Mupfuti.

🎧🎙️ Up next: My interview with Director of Photography, Jacques Naudé

For more information:

Victoria Falls Boxing Academy & Children's Home: https://victoriafallsboxingacademy.com/about-us/

Website: https://risezimbabwe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rise.zimbabwe

Cast & Credits

Directed and Written by Jessica J. Rowlands

Producer

Joe Njagu

Cinematographer

Jacques Naudé

Composer

Max Uldahl

Editor

Paul Watts, Roman Kuznets

Executive Producer

Tobias Mupfuti, Tongayi Chirisa, Elizabeth Morse Gilcreast, Barbara Lettieri, Juliette Duran

Key Production Team

Joe Njagu, Nakai Matema, Leonard Matsa, Philip Marumha, Taurai Kawara, Wilson Biswell

Camera/Lighting Team

Jacques Naudé, Diogo Domingues, Farai Chimombe, Gregory Shambare, Nigel Ncube

Art Department & Sound

Mmeli Mabhikwa, Kelli Barker, Kundai Mandivheyi, Chelsea Mangwiro, Kuda Sombi, Simon

Original Vocals & Music

Hope Masike, Tawanda T Maoneni, Mokoomba, David HD Hondoyedzomba, Leo Magozz, Jah

Cast

Tongayi Chirisa, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, Edmet Dube, Kelvin Taliana, Cilemeko Tickey Mudenda, Charles Ndlovu, Prudence Mubaiwa, Samson Mdimba, Phineas Makuvaza, Tobias Mupfuti

Contacts

International Sales + US Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

Press Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

#ZimExcellence #RISEFilm #Tribeca2025 #ZimbabweToTheWorld

Support the show

>> Support the show<<
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791151/support

>> Sign up for Vongai's podcast workshop<<
https://vongai.com/podcastcreation

>> Buy ZimExcellence Merch <<
https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore

📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text.

I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival!

Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.

In this episode, I share initial reactions from the audience.

🎧🎙️ Up next: Behind-the-scenes conversations with the creative team!

For more information:

Website: https://risezimbabwe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rise.zimbabwe

Cast & Credits

Directed and Written by Jessica J. Rowlands

Producer

Joe Njagu

Cinematographer

Jacques Naudé

Composer

Max Uldahl

Editor

Paul Watts, Roman Kuznets

Executive Producer

Tobias Mupfuti, Tongayi Chirisa, Elizabeth Morse Gilcreast, Barbara Lettieri, Juliette Duran

Key Production Team

Joe Njagu, Nakai Matema, Leonard Matsa, Philip Marumha, Taurai Kawara, Wilson Biswell

Camera/Lighting Team

Jacques Naudé, Diogo Domingues, Farai Chimombe, Gregory Shambare, Nigel Ncube

Art Department & Sound

Mmeli Mabhikwa, Kelli Barker, Kundai Mandivheyi, Chelsea Mangwiro, Kuda Sombi, Simon

Original Vocals & Music

Hope Masike, Tawanda T Maoneni, Mokoomba, David HD Hondoyedzomba, Leo Magozz, Jah

Cast

Tongayi Chirisa, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, Edmet Dube, Kelvin Taliana, Cilemeko Tickey Mudenda, Charles Ndlovu, Prudence Mubaiwa, Samson Mdimba, Phineas Makuvaza, Tobias Mupfuti

Contacts

International Sales + US Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

Press Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

#ZimExcellence #RISEFilm #Tribeca2025 #ZimbabweToTheWorld

Support the show

>> Support the show<<
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791151/support

>> Sign up for Vongai's podcast workshop<<
https://vongai.com/podcastcreation

>> Buy ZimExcellence Merch <<
https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore

📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text.

I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival!

Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.

In this episode, I share my reflections from the screening, thoughts on the film, and the significance of this milestone for both Zimbabwean and African cinema. From a community celebration in NYC to witnessing the rise of a young star. Tune in to hear why this film made me laugh, almost cry, and feel proud.

🎧🎙️ Up next: I will share initial reactions from the audience and behind-the-scenes conversations with the creative team!

For more information:

Website: https://risezimbabwe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rise.zimbabwe

Cast & Credits

Directed and Written by Jessica J. Rowlands

Producer

Joe Njagu

Cinematographer

Jacques Naudé

Composer

Max Uldahl

Editor

Paul Watts, Roman Kuznets

Executive Producer

Tobias Mupfuti, Tongayi Chirisa, Elizabeth Morse Gilcreast, Barbara Lettieri, Juliette Duran

Key Production Team

Joe Njagu, Nakai Matema, Leonard Matsa, Philip Marumha, Taurai Kawara, Wilson Biswell

Camera/Lighting Team

Jacques Naudé, Diogo Domingues, Farai Chimombe, Gregory Shambare, Nigel Ncube

Art Department & Sound

Mmeli Mabhikwa, Kelli Barker, Kundai Mandivheyi, Chelsea Mangwiro, Kuda Sombi, Simon

Original Vocals & Music

Hope Masike, Tawanda T Maoneni, Mokoomba, David HD Hondoyedzomba, Leo Magozz, Jah

Cast

Tongayi Chirisa, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, Edmet Dube, Kelvin Taliana, Cilemeko Tickey Mudenda, Charles Ndlovu, Prudence Mubaiwa, Samson Mdimba, Phineas Makuvaza, Tobias Mupfuti

Contacts

International Sales + US Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

Press Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

#ZimExcellence #RISEFilm #Tribeca2025 #ZimbabweToTheWorld

Support the show

>> Support the show<<
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791151/support

>> Sign up for Vongai's podcast workshop<<
https://vongai.com/podcastcreation

>> Buy ZimExcellence Merch <<
https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore

📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text.

Founder & CEO of award-winning global organisation, Girls Talk London that develops products and services to connect businesses with female talent in 37+ countries through digital products and content, bespoke programmes & events. Their aim is to democratise access to opportunities and jobs in male dominated sectors and to empower women to develop the skills and confidence to progress in their careers.

Through this agency, Vanessa has worked with companies such as Apple, Amazon, Beats by Dre, Meta, HSBC UK, Goldman Sachs, Snap Inc, Virgin Media O2, Zalando, BT and Vodafone + many more to connect them with diverse talent across all levels within their businesses.

Vanessa is a Podcaster and Host of The After Work Drinks Club debuting at Number 4 on the Apple Business Charts and her online talk show, Girls Talk, being viewed by nearly 1 million people worldwide interviewing influential global leaders such as Tsitsi Masiyiwa & Munroe Bergdorf.

Vanessa has held several Senior roles in the financial services, Law and Public Sector for over 16 years and has worked for companies such as Standard Chartered Bank, HFW, HSBC, Barclays, JP Morgan and UK Parliament.

Her expertise sits in creating and executing global diversity, inclusion and sustainability strategies and programmes, building capability & influence in organisations and partnering with & advising C-suite executives, senior leadership and HR colleagues

She is a sought-after speaker on ESG, business and women’s issues and her speaking engagements have taken her across the globe at institutions such as The Southbank Centre, Glitz Africa She Summit, UN Women UK, Cosmopolitan Self-Made Summit, Investec, Royal Bank of Canada, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Google UK, City Hall, Stylist Magazine, Institute of Directors and Women in Research UK.

Vanessa is a regular visiting lecturer and speaker on Social Entrepreneurship, Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity and Inclusion for London School of Economics, City University London, Kent Business School, Brunel University and Kings College London.

Vanessa has been recognised as a leader in her field listed as #15 in the Financial Times, Yahoo Finance and EMpower top ethnic minority future leaders list in Europe, U.S and Canada and also as one of 30 people changing the world by the London Business School and one of London’s most influential people by the Evening Standard Newspaper.

Time code for various topics :

Resources mentioned :

________

If you’re interested in how learning how I launched ZimExcellence then you’re in luck. Sign up for my podcast workshop and learn how it’s easier and more affordable than ever to start a podcast. Also, get a copy of my podcast resource guide which covers industry terminology, and suggested tech setup in addition to countless online resources to support your podcast journey. Just head to vongai.com/podcastcreation.

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Support the show

>> Support the show<<
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791151/support

>> Sign up for Vongai's podcast workshop<<
https://vongai.com/podcastcreation

>> Buy ZimExcellence Merch <<
https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore

📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text.

The following episode was recorded on 14th May, 2022.
_ _

As an actor credits include Liberian Girl- Royal Court, Fingertips – Clean Break and played the title role of Rapunzel with tutti frutti. In 2014 she made her one-woman debut during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in So What if I Dance.

Most notably Chipo Kureya was a part of the Original cast of the critically acclaimed Harry Potter and the Cursed Child where she played roles including Moaning Myrtle and Rose Granger- Weasley.

As well as the above she has also been involved with a handful of creative ventures including writing and devising her own work. The Black Actors Accent Room (BAAR)

Most Recently she has toured Europe as Winnie Mandela in Free Mandela, portrayed Peasblossom in The critically acclaimed A Midsummer Nights Dream at the Bridge Theatre and guest starred on the Netflix television series Top Boy, as well as Everything I know about Love for BBC and has a role in an upcoming Marvel Feature (can’t say which one) #NDA

Behind the camera Chipo has choreographed for London based chamber rock band Chrome Hoof, singer Kwaye’s video for Cool Kids (2017), Produced Shingai’s video We Roll (2020) and short films, N’ANGA(2021) and MEAT(pre-production).

Website: www.bantucreatives.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedamechipo/

Resources Mentioned:

If you’re interested in how learning how I launched ZimExcellence then you’re in luck. Sign up for my podcast workshop and learn how it’s easier and more affordable than ever to start a podcast. Also, get a copy of my podcast resource guide which covers industry terminology, and suggested tech setup in addition to countless online resources to support your podcast journey. Just head to vongai.com/podcastcreation.

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Support the show

>> Support the show<<
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791151/support

>> Sign up for Vongai's podcast workshop<<
https://vongai.com/podcastcreation

>> Buy ZimExcellence Merch <<
https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore

📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text.

The following episode was recorded on 1st April, 2022.
_ _

Kingsley Kaisi, better known by his stage name Kingslee ZW, is a Zimbabwean-born actor, scriptwriter, comedic skit maker, development practitioner and digital media consultant. Born 1st of February 1995, Kingsley’s parents grew up telling him African folktales that thereby sparked his creativity and love for acting and storytelling. His TikTok page features humorous short skits about daily lives of African families and his achievements from this page include that of brand endorsements from NGOs and corporate companies such as Econet, Nash Paints, Chicken Slice, just to name a few. Kingsley has 90k followers on his TikTok page @kingsleezw. In 2021, Kingslee starred in a JAC short film entitled ‘The Voices’ as its main protagonist.

Website:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kingslee_zw

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingsleezw

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/KingsleeZW

Book mentioned:
https://mudiwahood.net/shut-up-and-make-money/

If you’re interested in how learning how I launched ZimExcellence then you’re in luck. Sign up for my podcast workshop and learn how it’s easier and more affordable than ever to start a podcast. Also, get a copy of my podcast resource guide which covers industry terminology, and suggested tech setup in addition to countless online resources to support your podcast journey. Just head to vongai.com/podcastcreation.

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Support the show

>> Support the show<<
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791151/support

>> Sign up for Vongai's podcast workshop<<
https://vongai.com/podcastcreation

>> Buy ZimExcellence Merch <<
https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore