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Langalakhe Mabena
They have mastered the social media content production skill and the numbers they generate, be it on YouTube and even on their social media pages, are insane.
That on its own has certified the Magriza Made Me Cook (MMMC) crew one of the fast rising content production entrepreneurs who have taken African culinary recipes to the world.
With some not aware of MMMC or the services they provide, B-Metro compiled this story appreciating the works of the crew, as this reporter met them in Huwana, Plumtree, Matabeleland South where they were shooting a documentary at the Ancestral Heritage festival at Mthabisi Nkiwane homestead.
Q: When was Magriza Made Me Cook established and what was the vision?
A: We started Magriza Made Me Cook in 2020, and on February 21 of the same year, we posted our debut video on YouTube. The initial intention was to share a passion for food, fitness, and travel. But as the channel has developed, it now focuses mostly on making food and cultural documentaries. We can confidently state that we adore our jobs!
Q: What kind of services do you offer?
A: MMMC provides scriptwriting, photography, and videography services. These three are mostly focused on non-fiction, documentary work, and occasionally fiction. We provide culinary services for a variety of occasions since our producer and writer Prince Sivalo Mahlangu is a chef who specialises in African indigenous food.
Q: How has it been establishing yourself as a brand and how have people accommodated you and cherished your product?
A: It takes time to build a brand, but we think it’s something you do every day. One cannot genuinely claim to have finished the task. The audience, the plot, the characters, and the environment are all constant factors in documentary films. In that regard, we appreciate African culture and customs, and as a result, our advancement has focused on showcasing the wonder of the people we are. People have reacted well to the brand, which is something we sincerely value and are glad for. Making a story is one thing; having someone follow it patiently is quite another.
Q: How many guys has the Magriza brand employed?
A: The brand initially started with two guys (Prince Sivalo Mahlangu – Writer and Producer and Thembani Melusi Phakathi – Cinematographer and Editor) but we have since added three more people to the team (Ishmael Mkandla who is our Drone Videographer and Assistant Producer; Thamsanqa Sibanda acts as our Director of Photography and 2nd Writer; Meluleki Mpofu is the 3rd Writer and Cinematographer).
Q: Why focus on traditional food and cooking in particular?
A: Good question. We think that a person’s identity, culture, and ancestry are all influenced by their cuisine. Food neglect is the same as deleting one’s identity. Our African cuisine is also incredibly distinctive and nourishing, therefore it’s necessary for us and everyone else to record it and, more importantly, create this kind of food at home. Have you ever tasted isitshwala senyawuthi lenyama yembuzi? That is heaven Mabhena!
Q: Is it conducive to be young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe? Is the economy favourable?
A: People are constantly falling in love with the material we produce for our primary channel, YouTube, as well as various social media channels. Our products are promoting the programme’s merchandise, which has been well accepted by our target market, or the audience that watches the show. We will release additional products into the market as the brand develops; these products will reflect our passion and enthusiasm for African culture. We also work with the Lupane Veggie Guys, who have created some amazing indigenous juices, chilli sauce, and other items.
Q. How have you overcome the obstacles that you face as MMMC, and what has kept the company growing?
A: Everybody and every business daily battles overwhelming challenges in their drive for operational efficiency. Magriza Made Me Cook has faced and will face these difficulties, but what has kept us going is our desire to grow this brand to the greatest extent possible throughout the world. Our goal is to preserve and promote Africa’s various culinary traditions, and just that idea inspires us to persevere in the face of difficulties.
Q: Any words of encouragement to young entrepreneurs?
A: The first piece of advice for aspiring business owners is to START. We know a lot of young creators/filmmakers with incredible stories but are afraid to start and share their work with the world. If you love what you do, the universe will give you people and experiences to further your craft but you need to meet it halfway. In business, you need to learn every day and continually aim to deliver the greatest possible value to your customers/clients/audience. Lastly, find personal significance to your business. Ensure that you are providing the world with significance in the greatest way possible.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
