Dancers Association of Zimbabwe (DAZ) president Harpers Mapimhidze says he has found new love in mining.
The affable entertainment consultant said he under took the new challenge at a time when the showbiz industry is in limbo owing to the Covid-19 lockdown.
He however said it took him three months to settle in Mudzi where he is now employed as the production manager for Bravolands Mine.
Speaking to H-Metro from his new base in Mashonaland East, Harpers said he was enjoying the new task.
“I’m now staying here in Mudzi managing Bravolands Mine where we are extracting gold.
“I got the job a few months ago after Mr Bravo assessed my capabilities and I am now the operations managing who oversees over 80 employees working here.
“It’s a new challenge that I have embraced and I am really grateful and enjoying my work since most people are grounded on lockdown.
“I see God’s grace because the majority of my peers are failing to make ends meet during such trying times,” he said.
The 46-year-old said the top brass at Bravolands has shown him the other side of life ever since he joined them.
“In life there is time when you need to try other things and come out of the comfort zone as was the case with me when I was mainly concentrating on showbiz.
“This lockdown has also come as a blessing in disguise for me because I have realised that I can do other things besides entertainment consultancy.
“With the current ban on public gatherings still into effect, it will be hard for some of the artists to find their feet again and what we need in such times it to take a risk and try other things in this world,” he said.
Asked what he missed most at a time when he appears to have settled well in Mudzi, Harpers said:
“I miss my family because ndave kugara musango mazuva ano and its hard being away from them even though I’m doing all this to ensure I bring food on the table.
“I also miss entertainment, Beverly and all the dancers because that’s where I made a name for myself.
“I have done a lot for the arts sector and I would be lying that I don’t miss them because most of the dancers and dance groups are using my template.
“I’m actually the face of the dance industry in Zimbabwe and there is no other explanation to dispute it.
“However, in life we ought to move on and trying other things,” he said.
Harpers gave a strongest hint that he might quit showbiz if he settles well.
“I will make a bold decision when the lockdown has been lifted but at the moment I am concentrating on my new portfolio.
“If I am to return, I will be helping my guys behind the scene or I will be running the show through remote control.
“After getting such an opportunity, I wouldn’t want to disappoint the people who are looking after me at a time when it is hard for everybody.
“To me, I can’t betray these guys and I would like to thank Mr Bravo, Mr Marima for giving me such an opportunity to express myself,” he said.
With Harpers’ return to showbiz when the ban on public gathering is lifted still a matter of conjecture, it means Beverly will have to improvise or hold talks with the DAZ president and map them way forward.
Prior to Harpers venturing into mining, he has been representing the interests of club dancers who over the years had fallen prey to sex predators.
By representing dancers’ interests, Harpers has been saluted for bringing professionalism in the game as most of the dance groups were fully represented.
Love or loathe at Harpers, the entertainment consultancy still remains a doyen of the dance sector where he left an indelible mark to be cherished for years.-HMetro
