Baba Tencen says he was never an economic refugee in South Africa where he is based.
“I cannot say I am an economic refugee because I was poor even before things became tough in the country. The main reason why I left the country it was always my dream to work outside the country. I relocated to South Africa in 2006 after living in countries like Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique,” he told The Sunday Mail in an interview.
He talked about his tough upbringing. “My father was a drunkard but since education was my passion, I strived to get good grades at school while at the same time raising my own school fees. When my parents separated, my mother took me to her family home where I struggled for three good years as I failed to go to school and putting food on the table was a hustle.
“I ended up doing some menial jobs like herding cattle in the Chibi Makotose Sese area but then I decided to go back to school so I went to my mother’s family at Maringire Chibi where I did my grade six and seven from 1993 to 94.”
In 1995, Baba Tencen enrolled at Chamanhanzwa Secondary School but moved to Shurugwi in 1997, completing his O-Level studies at Parkinson High School in 1998 where he passed eight subjects.
“I believe this was the beginning of the real Pepukai because, although, I failed to proceed with my education due to financial challenges, I ventured in cross-border trading, importing clothes and electrical gadgets from neighbouring countries and selling them in Shurugwi. This was not formal employment but I managed to generate enough income to live a decent life.”
The talkative gentleman got married in 2000 and has been blessed with two children, Tennsen and Tensile.
After making the decision to settle in South Africa, he got a job, which he described as less demanding, in the hospitality industry and little did he know that this was to be a stepping stone towards fame.
“I had a less demanding job and one day a friend made a video of me making a joke and posted it via one of the social media platforms, but during this time I had not even started using Facebook.
“I did not even know anything about platforms like YouTube, Twitter or Instagram and after my video spread, it came as a shock to me. I went on to do another video that also went viral so I decided to make a DVD, which I sold personally before quitting my job to become a full-time comedian.”
His career took a giant leap when he met his current manager, Tendai Joe, who introduced him to the world of social media. “I had been selling my DVDs for a year after quitting my job but my life turned for the better when I met Tendai Joe, who is my manager and video producer.
“He is the one who set up my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages while at the same time helping me monetise the ‘Kuripwa Brand’.” The duo’s hard work has started to pay dividends, with the “Kuripwa Kugara” brand rising in popularity thereby attracting corporates and individuals like Sir Wicknell.
“My manager spent a lot of time branding me, which made it possible for me to be known by Sir Wicknell who went on to give me a large sum of money, which was a sign of a bright future for my brand. Many people might think that there is another job that I do but right now I am a full time comedian and I work on my craft day in, day out.”
The comic is creative to the extent that he does not even have to work on a script but just needs a camera to unleash his wit. “I don’t even dwell much on preparing what to say in my clips, all I need is a camera and anything I comment on comes out funny.”
Baba Tencen says brand “Kuripwa Kugara”, emanated from his previous job as a standby handyman, whereby he did not do much work but would get paid at the end of the day.
“As a standby handyman, I was getting paid for doing nothing because whether there was a problem to fix of not, I would still get paid and that is where the term ‘Kuripwa Kugara’ comes from. I am just glad that my wife and kids are proud of the way we are making ends meet.” The comedian expressed his excitement for being included on the supporting cast for Kansiime’s Comedy Night.
“I have wanted to perform in Zimbabwe for a while now but I never thought it would come at such a big platform. Fans should expect jokes that they have never heard before because this is going to be Baba Tencen at his best.”
