In case you have not heard yet, the insanely talented Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira has been named an ambassador for Destination Zimbabwe. Beast, as he is most affectionately known by Zimbo’s around the world, was kind enough to give us a few minutes out of his training schedule to share some of his thoughts with us. Here is how our conversation went. Firstly, in case you were wondering, yes, we called him Beast through the interview. Who is Tendai when you can say ‘Beeeeeeeeeeeeast!’

WZ: What makes you Wonderfully Zimbabwean?

Beast: Oh wow, what makes me Wonderfully Zimbabwean? There are so many things that make me proud to be Zimbabwean. Zimbabweans, myself included, are very friendly. I know we say it a lot, but it’s true. We are also down to earth and humble, very humble and well educated, which also makes us confident. We love that we are well educated, it really makes a difference for us and our confidence.

WZ: So, there are so many dope places in Zim. Where do you like to spend your time when you are on vacation in Zim? Do you vacay in Zim?

Beast: That’s an easy one. Victoria Falls is the most beautiful place in the world, I can go and relax. It’s an annual vacation for us. I take my family out there so that I can refresh and revitalize for the next season. I have done all the activities in Vic Falls, but my favourite, what I love to do is white water rafting in Vic Falls. It helps me relax, but also helps me keep fit. December is definitely my favourite time of the year to be in Zim.

WZ: What is your favourite Zimbabwean food? No Sadza nemuriwo allowed…

Beast: But we cannot have Zim food without the sadza! It has to be sadza! Ok, ok, it’s sadza nenyama. No muriwo. I am also really into weird fruits. I love matamba and I love nyimo.

WZ: Don’t think about it. Tuku or Cheso Power?

Beast: That’s a good one! Tuku, I am going with Tuku!

WZ: We are going to take you back to your roots a little… what is your favourite Zimbabwean saying in any of the Shona languages?

Beast: I actually have one saying that I love- Rinemanyanga hariputirwe*. That’s something to live by.

WZ: If we decide to go on honeymoon in Zimbabwe, where are we going? What are we doing there?

Beast: You are definitely going to Pamushana Lodge in Chiredzi. It is probably one of the most beautiful lodges you have ever seen. You will be blown out of your mind. It’s beautiful. In Chiredzi though, you are going hiking. Go and check out the big 5!

WZ: So what made you decide to become a Zimbabwe tourism ambassador, especially after being in South Africa for so long?

Beast: For me, I am pretty passionate about Zimbabwe. I live in South Africa but the whole family is in Zim, it’s still home. I love spending quality time in Zimbabwe, and obviously, all my favourite destinations are there. It’s a beautiful country and I am looking forward to telling everyone what a rich country it is. It was very easy for me to stand up and agree when they approached me. Very easy. I am Zimbabwean and being an ambassador for the country comes naturally to me. I am looking forward to the summits and indabas as well, there is going to be a lot to share. My schedule is already hectic, so we will see how to make it work. But, social media is also a great platform thankfully, so I intend to use that to my advantage

Having been in South Africa since he began his professional career, we are thrilled that he has taken up the call of duty to share Zimbabwe with the rest of the world and we cannot think of anyone better to raise the flag high. Good luck to our new Zimbabwe Tourism Ambassador, Beast.

*Rinemanyanga hariputirwe – That with horns is not covered. A Zimbabwean saying meaning: It is difficult to cover up or hide certain things, simply due to their nature, they will always show.

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