THERE seems to be a very thin line between acting and music.
A number of musicians in the country that have done well for themselves began their careers in the film and theatre arena.
The artistes before they had people tapping their feet and wriggling bodies to their music had them cracking up in laughter through their acting exploits.
Having gained prominence on the small and silver screens, many an artiste have not hesitated to cross the divide into the musical arena.
Artistes such as the legendary Safirio Madzikatire were a hit in the sitcom Mukadota Family as well as on the stage.
And he transformed his rib-cracking comedy acts into powerful and popular music that was and is still not short of takers.
Long after his departure to the yonder world, his music continues to inspire and entertain many.
He did not abandon his comic acts as he successfully incorporated them into his music producing chart topping songs.
Mukadota also incorporated fellow partner in comedy Elizabeth Taderera popularly known as ‘Katarina’ into his music forming an inimitable partnership.
Katarina was also more than a good actress and vocalist as she turned out to be a prolific dancer.
The actor-cum-musician went on to produce some of the best musical videos in the arts industry that did not lack in creativity.
Songs such as ‘KwaHunyani’, ‘Ndichatenga Yangu’ and ‘Usandisiye’ remain popular.
His son Elijah Madzikatire followed in his footsteps and acted in productions such as Everyone’s Child and Bhero Mukadato.
Unfortunately, Elijah’s proficiency in music did not match that of his father; he did not find much joy in the musical circle.
Another comedian Freddy Manjalima professionally known as ‘Kapfupi’, made his bones in Street Theatre and having grown his fan base, he ventured into music to broaden his artistic horizons.
He turned what the streets gave him into beautiful music that has been widely accepted by fans from across the country.
Like Mukadota, Kapfupi did not abandon his comic acts as he successfully incorporated them into his music.
For a time before the advent of dancehall that has eclipsed other genres, Kapfupi was among the musicians that ruled the roost.
The video to his song ‘Mai Nga’ was voted number one on ZBC TV’s top 100 in 2010.
His prolific acting skills enriched his music that had refreshing dance moves accompanied by hilarious facial expressions and stage costumes.
Other artistes that began acting at a tender age also ventured into music as they sought to expand their portfolios.
Such artistes that quickly come to mind are Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana who made her professional debut in the arts industry in1993 when she featured in the movie More Time at the age of 14.
The role earned her best actress M-Net award, SADC film and ZIMA awards and opened avenues for her in the arts industry.
She eventually ventured into music becoming a sensation as a jazz musician.
Her popular songs include ‘BP’, ‘Baba vaBoy’ and ‘Stronger’.
The late Beatar Mangethe also began her career as an actress at Amakhosi Theatre between 1992 and 1994.
She became popular as ‘Thuli’ in the local drama, Stitsha and her star grew brighter when she released the hit song ‘I Come from Makokoba’.
There are artistes also that have ventured into acting from music and have done well such as international superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and high-riding Jah Prayzah.
Mtukudzi featured in film productions such as Jit (1992) and Neria (1993) while Jah Prayzah did well in Bag Remhosva (2011) and Bag Rabvaruka (2012).