Our Celebrity of the Week is Sharon Chideu popularly known as Magi from Bustop TV. You have probably seen her on TV and on comedy skits. She may have made you laugh or left your thoughts provoked somehow.

Now lets take a look at the real person behind this actress/comedian/standup comedian based on a brief interview with our team.

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Kindly share a bit about yourself.

My name is Sharon Shamiso Chideu. I am turning 25 in November and I am really excited about that. I am a single mom to a lovely daughter. I went to film school and studied Directing and Script Writing.

Professionally I started acting in a ZBC TV soapie called ‘Shadows’ directed by Joe Pike. But before that I was doing theatre in school. I loved being on stage. Acting was like my cocoon, even if I had something bothering me, the moment I got on stage, I would lighten up.

Besides acting, I also write poetry and short stories. I also bake and sell cakes. I braid hair–I do quite a lot, you know, you have to do that in Zim. 

Tell us about your Experience with P.O Box?

I went to school with the guys, Luckie Aaroni, Rolland Lunga (Boss Kedha) and Admire Kuzhangaira (Bhutisi). So, when I saw them doing the skits, I approached Lunga because he is like a best friend (BFF). He said soon we would conduct auditions for female actors for the P.O Box crew.

So they finally called me for an audition and that’s how it all started. However, things were a bit shaky in the house when we joined them. This resulted in the crew splitting from the original group to form Bustop and PO Box reloaded.

And now, what is the relationship like between you guys?

We are very cool, Rolland Lunga is my daughter’s Godfather and we still work well together despite the split.

Now to Bustop, how is it there?

Bustop TV is not just a job, it’s a family. We are a family. Sharon is like my big sister both on and off screen. Luckie Aaroni is like the big brother. He is always pushing us when we are on set. Sometimes I want to hate him but then once he pushes you and you do the things he will be pushing you to do, you will realise, he was doing it for your own good.

Scenes from ab episode of Bustop TV, Gonyeti and Maggie PIC: BUSTOP TV
Scenes from ab episode of Bustop TV, Gonyeti and Maggie PIC: BUSTOP TV

There is also Godknows Homwe; he is so hardworking and takes care of the company’s accounts. Dereck Nzwiyakwe is also another member of the family who panel beats us especially when we are on set so we work well together.

What do you like most about Bustop?

We are a real family, when we are not happy with each other we tell each other straight up. We never go to sleep without resolving issues. Most importantly we are real to each other. We share problems both work and personal. 

Scenes from ab episode of Bustop TV, Gonyeti and Maggie PIC: BUSTOP TV
Scenes from ab episode of Bustop TV, Gonyeti and Maggie PIC: BUSTOP TV

Now to stand up comedy, tell us how that is coming along?

I actually went on stage for the first time recently. But initially I had gone there just to see other comedians until Long John said you are going to do one or two. Then boom, I was on stage. I was nervous but I am told I did well for a first timer. I am now busy writing my own material so that the next time I am on stage I will be even better.

Who or what is your main source of inspiration?

Before 2014, my source of inspiration was just to work hard and be famous, win awards and go to Hollywood but it all changed when I gave birth to a lovely daughter. Now all I want to do is make her proud and doing something bigger than myself to show her that nothing is impossible.

You spoke about being famous, now that you are somewhat famous how does it feel?

I can’t even wrap my head around it. I cannot accept that I am known. People do know me and I begin to mumble when they ask for a selfie or a picture. Some just laugh though and ask me where Gonyeti is. I like it actually. 

Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?

As Bustop TV, we are hoping to have released our own movie.  I also want to venture into directing. I have a long dream of directing a music video.

Words of encouragements to the youth and single moms?

 Youth, when you have a dream or a passion, don’t let anyone tell you that its crazy, push on. Even if it takes a couple of years, push on.

To single moms; you are the bravest people I know. Because being a single mom, whether it’s by choice or not is really tough. Don’t give in, hold on and do whatever you can as long as it is morally correct to look after your kids. And also pray, don’t give up on God, He is working something out for you.