“Eccentric” may not be too exaggerated a term to describe the unconventional endeavors of the youthful British Isaac Madzivanyika within the Zimbabwean media, cultural, and entertainment spheres.

Despite the persistent systemic challenges in his environment, this ambitious young man has boldly pursued and capitalized on opportunities.

From his role as one of the busiest event MCs in Harare to being headhunted for the prestigious position of project manager of the Miss Facial Beauty pageant, Madzivanyika has undeniably achieved significant milestones in his budding career and shows no signs of slowing down.

My Afrika Magazine’s Elias Muonde (E.M) caught up with British Madzivanyika (BM) for a quick exclusive chat about his enterprise and achievements so far.

EM: Hello British! Feels good chatting you up about all things art. Let’s start right from the top; what’s the story behind the name “British”? Is it your actual given name?

BM: British was my dad’s first name . So my father wanted to give me his name that’s how i got to be named British then my second is my grandfather’s name .So my name is British Isaac Madzivanyika.

EM: You made a mark on the entertainment scene as an MC. Can you share with us what the whole experience was like?
BM: I’ve had the pleasure of serving as a master of ceremonies for a variety of events, from small gatherings to large conferences. I’ve learned how to engage and interact with the audience, keep the event running smoothly, and even handle unexpected situations with grace. I’m confident in my ability to make a event a success!

EM: What makes a good events MC?
BM: To be a good events MC, there are several qualities that are important to have. First, it’s important to be a good communicator and have the ability to engage the audience with your words. It’s also important to be organized and prepared, as you’ll need to be able to keep the event running smoothly and on schedule. You should also be friendly and approachable, as you’ll be interacting with the audience and other event participants. And finally, it’s helpful to have a good sense of humor and be able to think on your feet, as things may not always go according to plan.

EM: Did you make good financial gains as an MC?
BM: To me being an Mc is business its a job, it is the norm.When am hired to serve as an Mc i expect to be paid like how they pay other service providers .While some master of ceremonies In many of their cases, being an MC is a voluntary position, or may be offered as an honorarium. However, even if there is no monetary gain, there are many other benefits that come with being an MC. For example, it’s an opportunity to network and meet new people, and it can be a way to gain experience and build your reputation. In some cases, being an MC can even lead to future paid opportunities.
Yes, I have made good financial gains.

EM: You are also into film and TV production. What can you say is your area of expertise in the world of filmmaking, and did you attend any film school to horn those skills or you were self-taught?
BM: I began my journey in the film industry as an actor, and I quickly realized that I wanted to be involved in all aspects of film production. So, I began to study film production on my own, and eventually I decided to pursue formal training at a film school. Now, I have experience in both acting and directing, and I’m comfortable in either role. I’m also open to the possibility of producing in the future. I believe that my varied experiences have given me a unique perspective and made me a more well-rounded filmmaker.”

EM: You have traveled to a few African countries on film business, how do you compare the state of their industry with ours (Zimbabwe)?
BM: I have had the opportunity to travel to several African countries for film business, and I’ve been impressed by the level of production in these countries. They have made great strides in the industry, and they offer a lot of inspiration and hope for the future of the film industry in my own country. There is still work to be done to reach the level of other African countries, but I’m confident that with dedication and hard work, my country can achieve the same level of success.”

EM: I understand you are no longer doing MC gigs. What was the reason for you “quiting”, for lack of a better term?
BM: I didn’t quit MCing, I simply rebranded myself as an MC who is selective about the events I take on. I no longer accept every event that comes my way, but rather choose those that align with my personal values and goals. This has allowed me to maintain my integrity and stay true to myself as an MC. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and look forward to continuing to grow as an MC.

EM: You recently were in Britain, your “namesake” country, what were you up to and may you please share the whole experience in as far as all things art and entertainment are concerned that side?
BM: My time as a production manager on a television show in the UK was truly amazing. The level of professionalism and attention to detail was astounding, and I learned so much from the experience. The set was well-organized and everyone worked together as a team to create something truly special. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in working in the television industry, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.

EM: You were one of the organizers of the 2024 edition of the “Miss Facial Beauty” pageant. What exactly was your role in the run-up and during the project, and also if you can share with us the founding objectives of the pageant.
BM: I have been honored to serve as the manager for Miss Facial Beauty Zimbabwe since 2022. This is a prestigious and competitive pageant, and it has been a privilege to work with such talented and beautiful young women. I have learned so much from my time in this role, and I have seen firsthand the dedication and hard work that goes into producing a successful pageant. It is an experience that I will always cherish.”
Miss Facial Beauty Zimbabwe is a pageant that creates a platform and promotes Originality, Culture and Charity.

EM: Of late, you have transformed your enterprise and are working on a brand-new concept that seeks to both entertain, market and inform in one clip. Tell us more about it
BM: While many people know me for my work as a comedian making skits, I have recently decided to expand my horizons and use my skills to make a positive impact in the world. My new focus is on creating reels that not only entertain, but also educate and motivate people. I believe that through my acting and filmmaking skills, I can bring inspiration and encouragement to those who see my work. I am passionate about using my platform to make a difference, and I am excited to see where this new direction takes me.

EM: Thank you so much British for the chat, wish you all the best in your endeavors.
BM : You’re very welcome, and thank you for the opportunity to chat with you. I really appreciate your interest in my work and your well-wishes for my future endeavors. I’m always happy to talk about my experiences and share my perspective, so please feel free to reach out again in the future. It was a pleasure speaking with you.