The name Mpumi Mpama is synonymous with Zack Phiri, the charming drug dealer from The Queen Mzansi. This past Sunday Mpumi Mpama celebrated his 44th birthday. To mark the occasion, Mpama, who is also a youth mentor and motivational speaker proffered these words to his followers; don’t wait to be celebrated, celebrate yourself. Poignant words, in an age where most young people seek validation through likes, retweets and friend requests on social media.
https://twitter.com/mpumi_mpama/status/1464919944878071816?s=27
Mpumi Mpama the family man
Off screen, Mpumi is a husband to his beautiful wife of 17 blissful years and father to his two children, a boy and a girl, all of whom celebrated his special day over a family luncheon. Beyond receiving the attention of his immediate family, Mpama also had good wishes and affection of his extended family, the fans who support his career. Mpumi Mpama extended his heartfelt gratitude to those who made his birthday special.
“It was a well spent day with my family, we went out for lunch. I’m grateful for all the gifts, messages and prayers. The appreciation from my friends and fans was overwhelming I’d like to thank all of them from the bottom of my heart,” said the deep voiced actor.
Things you didn’t know about Mpumi Mpama
For years the charismatic Zack Phiri, on The Queen, managed to deceive the normally sharp-witted Vuyiswa Jola (real name Zandile Msutwana). Not once did she suspect her then fiance was living a double life. A little like the duplicitous Zack Phiri, Mpumi Mpama has many layers to him.
He is a motivational speaker, an MC and ordained Pastor, having attained his PhD in religious philosophy in 2013 and was one of the chosen Pastors who accompanied the royal house of Abathembu under the leadership of Kind Dalindyebo to fetch Tata Madiba’s mortal remains from the airport to his final resting place. It was fifteen years ago, at the age of 29, Mpumi Mpama officially became a church Pastor.
Using his influential voice in the Church and his celebrity status as an actor, Mpama is a staunch advocate of gender justice. In July 2018, he led the Hundred Men March, a campaign for the involvement of men in the fight against the abuse of women and children. He remains a mentor to young men.
Asked about the ongoing #16daysOfActivism, an annual gender justice movement in its 30th year, Mpama feels that 16 days in a year is not enough.
“I feel it’s not enough, there’s also a campaign I led on the 5th of July 2018 where I also advised that certain follow up programs should be put in place to deal with the reformation of the men out there and also help to educate the young men on becoming men that would have a positive impact on the future society.”
When most men over forty are comfortable with squeezing their beer bellies into a Kaizer Chiefs jersey, Mpumi Mpama remains in good shape, thanks to tennis and gym membership.
https://twitter.com/mpumi_mpama/status/1419561369679056901?s=20
To most Mzansi television viewers, the name Mpumi Mpama is interchangeable with “Zack Phiri” just as his executive producer, Connie Ferguson is still affectionately known as “Karabo Moroka”. But the multi-talented television personality has more to his résumé than the Zack Phiri name.
Apart from being one of Harriet Khoza’s big five cocaine buyers on The Queen, Mpama has appeared on other Mzansi Magic productions; Igazi, Saints and Sinners, The Road, Zabalaza, Isibaya and The Imposter. On SABC1, he was Generations: The Legacy, Sokhulu & Partners and also e.tv anthology series eKasi: Our Stories. He is also a television presenter, known for his work on the show Inside Out.
When the baritoned actor is not on set, he is an MC and voice over professional who cherishes his Xhosa culture without ever showing a hint of tribal prejudice. Having recently distanced himself from a bogus Mpumi Mpama Facebook account, the multi faceted performer has launched a YouTube channel where he discusses Matters of Life.
https://youtu.be/Em_ClSGpmaI
Once fame arrives, most celebrities distance themselves from the masses. But did you know Mpumi Mpama is also passionate about giving back to the community. Speaking on his philanthropist, Mpama had this to say.
Faith and acting
When asked how he manages to balance the conflicting role of sinful characters and his Christian faith, Mpumi Mpama exhibited sharp wits and a sense of humour, as he explained that he compartmentalises his work from real life.
“Very simple; acting is a job or work for an example a Christian who is an undertaker would have to pray for his business to flourish, how? It’s work. Same with acting , a character is a product that you market well for people to buy! And then you pray for God to bless your work. If God has blessed you with a talent use it and if you have a Calling, answer the call!”
On that morbid note, we at Quick Read Magazine wish Mpumi Mpama many more years of good health in which he shares with the world more of his gift of acting.