Freddy Gwala eager to speak Shona

South African musician Freddy Gwala is said to be itching to be a fluent Shona speaker as he features in a film with comedian, actor and singer Kapfupi.

Gwala features in a film called Mahlalela.

The film was produced and directed by local Bulawayo film actor and producer Mthulisi Moyo.

According to Sunday news, the production is scheduled to be launched between late April and early May and is the first of its kind which is aimed at setting the stage for more collaboration in film productions between the two sister countries.

Moyo said :  "It was very easy to get them to switch languages because Kapfupi already knows a bit of Ndebele which is almost similar to Zulu yet Gwala was eager to learn Shona. Both guys are quite easy to work with and that worked to my advantage," he said.

"I asked Gwala to play a role in my film, he said he has never done it before then I offered to teach him how to act and he took the offer without setting any conditions or showing pride like most superstars would," Moyo said.

Kapfupi said he was  happy to be working with big South African artistes.

"It is nice and different. I am also glad to get exposed to the South African film industry through this production," he said.

The film was shot in Harare and Soweto and the main character - Mahlalela is played by Moyo, Gwala plays the role of a pastor and Kapfupi is Gwala's church congregant and friend. In the film Kapfupi and Gwala help Mahlalela by offering him accommodation after he had a dispute with his brother and his wife.