Top influencers’ 2025 resolutions

Trust Khosa

THOUGH 2025 is still in its infancy, top influencers and celebrities are already dreaming big.

Event planners, entertainers and social media enthusiasts are fully embracing the spirit of 2025.

While some faced challenges last year, others thrived in various endeavours.

It’s noteworthy that the entertainment industry remains in capable hands.

Leading the charge among confident influencers is Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, who has the youth at heart.

She has been advocating for digitalisaton and connectivity of every community as a key driver for the country’s economic development.

The former Studio 263 actress, who has defied the odds to land a top post as a policymaker, remains grounded while delivering in her portfolio.

“I really want to thank you very much for this opportunity. The resolution for anyone is to work hard, take pride in hard work, and push towards realising the President’s vision of digitalising Zimbabwe towards Vision 2030. For me, from the Ministry of ICT side, I want to continuously work hard,” she said.

Reflecting on last year’s experiences, Minister Mavetera stressed: “2024 was a year of learning; it was a year of setting up a foundation, understanding what you need to do, and also grasping the expectations from our principal, His Excellency Dr  ED Mnangagwa, the President.

“So for now, as the Minister of ICT, my hope is to see the digital footprint in the country as we leapfrog Zimbabwe’s development through the use of ICT.

“As Zimbabwe, we don’t need to be left behind; we need to continuously push, finding all solutions that are relevant for the Government and private sector, ensuring we provide connectivity to the general populace of Zimbabwe.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by music promoter and hospitality guru Josh Hozheri, whose influence continues to touch generations.

“My 2025 resolution is to work hard and improve upon what I did last year.

“I need to grow my business beyond expectations. I also want to work on synergies, especially with artistes and fellow promoters, who at many times, when you differ, regard you as an enemy.

“I also need to empower myself by attending conferences and workshops, especially in the IT and digital space, where many of us from the old school have been lacking despite having the right academic qualifications,” he said.

United Kingdom-based theatre practitioner, blogger and Zimbabwean Leeds Community executive member, Enisia Mashusha, emphasised that life was unpredictable overseas, although she remains focused. “It’s tough to make new year’s resolutions when life throws curveballs, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on our dreams,” she said. 

“Last year was challenging for my artistic growth, but I’m incredibly proud of my contributions to the Zimbabwean Leeds Community as both the head of media and secretary. This year, my focus is shifting back to my artistic passion.

“My followers should brace themselves to see more of my creative work, including projects that celebrate other artists and the continuation of my ‘Mambokadzi Journey to Wellness’ among other projects.”

Mashusha was excited as her influence on social media was empowering fellow women.

“I have already begun inspiring other women on their wellness journeys, encouraging them to prioritise fitness regardless of size.

“We all know the powerful connection between exercise and mental well-being — it’s a fantastic tool for managing stress, depression, and more.

“I’m excited for what this year, and the years to come, will bring.”

Affable events planner and consultant Benjamin Nyandoro of Jive Zimbabwe hailed the just-ended 2024 season as an eye-opener that yielded desired results.

“2024 was a perfect year for us. Most of the projects we held came out well, and we hope to continue with the events in 2025.

“We are already working on some of the projects at the moment. I can’t thank God and my partners enough because we made it as a team,” said Nyandoro.

Outlining his 2025 resolutions and modus operandi, he called for partnerships to share responsibilities and expenses when organising events.

“No one player should absorb the cost of creating value; that is my 2025 resolution when it comes to planning events. My criteria for partnerships focuses on those who want to contribute to value creation.

“We are set to compete and contribute to big spaces as an industry,” said Nyandoro.

His well-attended Bira Rembira at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare, which he hosted alongside Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza and Diana Mangwenya Samkange, was one of his success stories of 2024.

Dub-poet, writer and academic Albert Nyathi was still basking in the 2024 glory that brought remarkable success to him.

“The year 2024 was great; I enjoyed performing in Malawi with Carmen Nelly, who launched her album called ‘Listen’ in both Zimbabwe and Malawi.

“I also went to the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Locally, I did a lot of stuff with private  companies and organizations; it was fun. Most importantly, I enjoyed participating in the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee with children across the country, virtually everywhere,” he said.

Nyathi, who has a passion for teaching children, stressed, “The Zimbabwe Spelling Bee contest was amazing.

“I enjoyed being part of it.

“By the way, I am actually taking the finalists to Abuja in Nigeria around April, so it was a good year.

“My resolution for 2025 is to take the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee to greater heights, making it more accessible to various schools and areas in the country. As a poet, I love words; as a music composer, I love playing with words.”

The dub poet also hailed 2024 as the year he made academic progress after graduating with a Master of Philosophy degree in Ethnomusicology at Midlands State University.

“In 2024, I enjoyed graduating; that was fun for me. In 2025 and beyond, I would like to write a few academic articles related to the creative sector. I enjoyed that and would like to continue exploring it a little bit more. Academic articles are fun; I will also try my hand at working on a feature film,” he said.

Socialite and fashion model Tariro Gezi, said the year 2024 can best be described as a transformative journey of growth and alignment in my career. 

“I evolved into the corporate sector, engaging in various impactful projects that broadened my horizon. One of the highlights was traveling internationally to the United States, which enriched my perspective and allowed me to connect with diverse audiences,” she said. 

“I was also honoured to be globally recognised in Nigeria as one of the top influencers for women’s empowerment, and I received the Exceptional Lifestyle Influencer award from the Makakosha Business Awards. This recognition underscored the power of the small, relatable content we create; it truly makes a difference.”

She said, as a top influencer in Zimbabwe for 2025, her resolutions and expectations are all about using her influence for impactful change, “Carrying Brand Zimbabwe”. 

“This year, I am diving deep into empowering mindset, skills, and confidence coaching — because I believe that our greatest potential lies in our self-awareness and belief in ourselves.”

“One of my exciting initiatives is a back-to-school activation where I am rallying support to provide 300 brand new school shoes for children at Gezi Primary School in Murehwa,” she said.

“I am fully surrendering to God’s plan, ready to be wherever he leads me and do whatever he requires of me. This year is about expanding my reach for good, growing my career, and mentoring those behind me to build their confidence and chase their dreams. I will continue to embody the mantra ‘kwana kwana’ — we are in a world of unlimited possibilities! The only thing standing between you and what you want is you.”

Actress and businesswoman Tinopona Katsande said for her 2025 is a year of nice things; everything must just be nice. 

“For me, 2025 is a continuation of a lot of things that I started in 2024 in my personal life and career-wise.”

“The trajectory I am looking at in my career is just a continuation, but the main thing that I will focus on is my family first.

“I think when you face a life-altering health scare or challenge, your perspective on life really changes; you realise what is important,” she said.

“I really set out last year in my personal space to unite the family and to let the kids know the other generation. Some of us have grown up, and we are now being referred to as aunts. So, number one for me is to really focus on family and create wonderful memories and bank good experiences. I think that’s important.”

Katsande said career-wise last year she focused on mentorship programmes.

“Yes, I continue to be here and there in front of the camera, acting, but I am also doing mentorship now, with a lot of workshops and training because it is time to pass the torch.”

“Be a living legend who passes the torch while you are still here, and without a doubt, I will continue to be a cool woman. I will also continue advocating for cancer awareness on my platforms, and my advice is that early detection will save lives.”

“I am looking forward to expanding business-wise with Mazai KwaTino, and I am looking forward to development in Mutoko, where I am now fully based. By the way, home is best, and besides, that’s where my father left the inheritance after working hard.”

With the 2025 season now rolling, there is renewed vigour and hope that good times will certainly come and artists and influencers will fulfill their plans.