Apongozi series brings Maria Chidzanja-Nkhoma back to life
Producers of the movie Fatsani made an impression on Thursday night when they premiered a television series Apongozi, which features the late Maria Chidzanja-Nkhoma who plays a leading role.
The long-awaited series screened at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe, attracted patrons, both young and old who appreciated the works of the late actress, performer and broadcaster.
In an interview, director and producer of the series Hastings Golosi, popularly known as Hago, said the series is a tribute to Chidzanja-Nkhoma who died from Covid-19 on January 9 2021 aged 70.
He said they were amazed with the huge patronage that came to support the drama series which was inspired by two long running local radio drama series Zimachitika and Tilitonse.
Golosi said: “It is sad that we lost the main character Maria Chidzanja-Nkhoma. The series was named after her character. Now, for the series, we only came up with a complete one season containing nine episodes. We will see where we take the story in season two.”
During the launch, where two episodes were screened, musician Rudo Chakwera entertained patrons with a song in memory of Chidzanja-Nkhoma.
Part of the song goes: “ Ooh mayi Maria ooh anali mayi wabwino, ooh mayi Maria ooh anali Mayi wafuko, Ndikakumbuka luso lanu, ndimayamika kumwamba, limafikila m’bado wathu kupereka chitsanzo chabwino. Ndidzakukumbukilani!, tidzakusowani mama pantchito yonse munagwira.”
In a separate interview, actor Edwin Chonde, who plays Makiyi in the series, explained how excited he is to be part of the team and to have shared memories with the late Chidzanja-Nkhoma in his acting profession.
“After reading the script, I was not comfortable with some of the scenes that my character was involved in and I requested the director to maybe change some scenes which he refused. But at the end of the day, I’m an actor and it was a pleasure working with the late Maria whom we lost a week after shooting the series,” he said.
Other actors include Tionge Banda, Mildred Murindiwa, Esther Bonyonga, Mbumba Kubwalo and Jubeki Monjeza.
One of the patrons, Fyness Kanyong’o, who rated the evening highly, commended the series producer for coming up with an interesting show.
She said: “It was a great evening and Malawians should rest assured that they will watch a beautiful series. Judging from the two episodes shown, I can tell that the producers took time in coming up with the script as well as the production.”
The series tells a story of a family rivalry in a quest to gain power and wealth. It will be aired on Zodiak Broadcasting Station every Sunday at 8pm.
