Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Mbulelo Mpofu, mbulelo.smpofu@gmail.com
A fresh face is making waves in Bulawayo’s creative scene. Melissa Siziba, known as Afromagesty, has recently showcased her talent in Calvin Mangena’s music video Sukuma, which has already amassed over 17 000 views since its release on November 13th. This accomplishment highlights Siziba’s growing influence and her unwavering dedication to artistic expression.
Afromagesty’s journey is one of unexpected twists and turns, beginning in her high school days at Matopo High School (O-level) and Pumula High School (A-level) when she first discovered her passion for writing. Armed with nothing more than a counter book, she penned entire novels, captivating her peers with stories that would circulate among students in her boarding school.
“I used to write probably one or two chapters a day,” she recalls, her eyes lighting up at the memory.
During a time when social media was not yet a dominant force, her stories provided an escape and sparked intrigue among her fellow students, laying the groundwork for her future creative endeavours.
However, her path took an unexpected turn when she hit a writer’s block.
“The entire transition was totally unplanned,” she admits.
In search of a new outlet, she turned to acting.
“Saying I enjoyed it is an understatement,” she says, crediting her first acting gig to Khally, who helped ignite her passion for performance.
This newfound love for acting soon led her to TikTok, where she began creating content that would resonate with a broader audience.
“Long story short, I still have writer’s block,” she laughs, a light-hearted acknowledgment of her evolving creative journey.
The opportunity to model in Sukuma came about serendipitously. She first met Calvin Mangena during an interview for ByoCelebs, where she expressed her desire to collaborate with him. To her delight, he kept his promise.
“I had such an amazing experience,” she reflects on the video shoot.
The process was well-organised, and she credits the entire team, especially AfriArt, for making the experience enjoyable. Being part of a project that resonated so quickly with viewers has brought her immense joy.
“It feels really good, especially because it was my first music video appearance,” she shares, her gratitude evident.
This debut not only marks a new chapter in her career but also showcases her potential to shine in the entertainment industry. Her content creation journey continues to thrive, particularly on TikTok, where she has amassed over 31 000 followers. Specialising in short, funny skits, she finds fulfilment in making her audience laugh.
“Content creation keeps me in check,” she notes, highlighting the joy and satisfaction it brings her.
Collaborating with fellow content creators, like Sipho Mercent Nyathi, has further enriched her experience. Their partnership began when Afromagesty stumbled upon one of Sipho’s videos, leading to a delightful exchange that resulted in a successful comedy skit.
Balancing her creative pursuits with academics, she is currently pursuing a BSc Honours Degree in Social Work at the Women’s University in Africa.
“I can’t really say it’s been difficult,” she explains, attributing her ability to juggle both to the unwavering support of her family. They encouraged her to embrace both her studies and her passion for the arts, fostering an environment where she could thrive.
Beyond her immediate projects, Afromagesty has a keen interest in reading and watching theatre shows, which she believes invigorate her creativity.
“Following up on other creatives makes me feel motivated,” she says, stressing how these activities remind her of her roots and the goals she aspires to achieve.
Looking towards the future, Afromagesty hints at exciting developments in the pipeline.
“Something is definitely brewing on both sides,” she teases, suggesting that fans can expect more from her soon. With her sights set on exploring social issues through her content, she identifies the importance of using her platform for meaningful dialogue.
“It’s an area that I have been considering touching on for a while,” she shares, eager to articulate these themes as her career progresses.
For aspiring creatives, she has sage advice: “Consistency and hard work is the key. Be your own biggest cheerleader.” Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is a blend of persistence, passion, and self-belief.
As social media continues to reshape the landscape for artistes in Zimbabwe, Afromagesty is thankful for the opportunities it has created.
“It (social media) has allowed Zimbabwean creatives to be seen and appreciated,” she notes, acknowledging how these platforms have enabled many to turn their passions into livelihoods.
As she continues to carve her path in the creative world, she stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her story is not just about personal success; it’s about fostering a community of young artistes who dare to dream and create.
“Stay true to yourself and stay true to your dreams,” she encourages her followers, a mantra that reflects her own journey. With her infectious energy and unwavering determination, Afromagesty is undoubtedly a name to watch as she ascends to greater heights in the entertainment industry.
