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Shaun Chitsiga: Redefining Zimbabwe’s Media Landscape

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Meet Shaun Chitsiga, the Zimbabwean media maverick who’s redefining the entertainment landscape with his innovative approach to storytelling. At just 16 years old, Chitsiga embarked on a journey that would see him become one of Zimbabwe’s most innovative entrepreneurs. His path, marked by ambition, creativity, and resilience, showcases how one individual’s vision can influence an entire industry. With a portfolio that boasts award-winning productions, pioneering TV shows, and a farm that’s bringing development to rural areas, Chitsiga is the embodiment of African ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.

“I started my career in Bulawayo in 2000 at the age of 16,” Shaun recalls. “I was just a trainee graphic designer, but my boss taught me everything about the printing industry. Those lessons laid the foundation for my journey.”

Shaun began his career in Bulawayo in 2000 at the age of 16, working as a trainee graphic designer. Under the mentorship of his boss, he gained invaluable insights into the printing industry. “By the time I turned 18, I decided to leave everything behind — school and work — to become a freelance designer in Harare. It was a bold move, but one that shaped my future,” he explains. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would see him carving his niche in the entertainment industry.

Between 2002 and 2008, Shaun balanced his graphic design services with his passion for music. “During those years, I released videos and performed across the country,” Shaun says. “I also provided graphic design services to fellow musicians and music promoters, working with amazing clients like Culture T, Winky D, Pastor G, Carol Wutawnashe, and Pride Priestly.”

In 2008, Shaun’s journey took an international turn when he relocated to Botswana and co-founded Extra Pillar Creative Warehouse. “Starting Extra Pillar Creative Warehouse was a significant milestone for me,” he shares. “We worked with mining companies, the town council, and SMEs across Botswana. It was a rewarding experience, and we even won two major awards in 2009 and 2010.”

The company specialized in branding, printing, and promotional gifts, serving clients ranging from mining companies to SMEs. It also ran a successful weekly print publication and earned two major awards in 2009 and 2010. After returning to Zimbabwe in 2012, Shaun pivoted to film and television, co-founding the Green Studio TV show. “Producing and presenting 143 episodes of Green Studio on ZBC TV was a dream come true. It allowed me to explore my passion for storytelling,” he reflects.

The birth of Bizani Media Productions

In 2017, Shaun founded Bizani Media Productions, a multimedia production company based in Mandara, Harare. “The Zimbabwean television and media industry was still in its infancy,” Shaun says. “I saw a gap and an opportunity to bring fresh, local content to the market.”

Recognizing the untapped potential of Zimbabwe’s television and media landscape, Shaun was inspired to create fresh, local content for audiences who had long relied on foreign media. Bizani Media focuses on producing documentaries, TV shows, and video content, employing five permanent staff members and a team of on-call professionals for on-set productions.

“One of the challenges we faced was the volatile economic environment,” Shaun notes. “We’ve had to deal with three different currencies since we started in 2017. It’s been a learning curve, but we’ve adjusted by cutting down on costs, reducing permanent staff, and focusing on field production work.”

Despite the challenges, Bizani Media has thrived. One of its flagship productions, Ndine Thaza, became a groundbreaking TV show that amplified the voices of small businesses. “Ndine Thaza was a game changer,” Shaun says with pride. “It provided a platform for small businesses to be known, and its success led to contracts with 3Ktv to produce multiple TV show concepts.”

Shaun credits mentorship from the Tony Elumelu Foundation in 2018 as a pivotal moment for Bizani Media. “Being mentored and funded by the foundation was a blessing,” he says. “It helped us acquire new equipment and expand our operations.”

Today, the company continues to innovate, embracing technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance script development and voiceover production. “AI has changed the game for us,” Shaun explains. “We’ve used it to develop scripts and even create voiceovers for clients. It’s an exciting time for media production.”

With plans to launch a revamped Season 10 of Ndine Thaza in 2025, Shaun remains at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s evolving media industry. “We’re introducing a young presenter and a fresh approach. It’s going to be amazing,” he adds.

Beyond Media

Shaun’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond the media space. As a village farmer in Ruvinga Village, Guruve South District, he runs Chitsiga Farm, a modern small livestock operation that supplies meat products to the local community. “I’m passionate about bringing development to rural areas,” Shaun says. “Our farm creates jobs for the local community, supports children with stationery, fees and recreation as well as provides free fruits and vegetables for locals.”

Lessons and Vision

Reflecting on his journey, Shaun emphasizes the importance of accountability. “Stand by your word all the time,” he advises. “Give feedback to people and make your word your bond. Each time I’ve failed to meet my word, I’ve lost valuable relationships. But learning this lesson has helped me grow.”

Looking ahead, Shaun remains committed to producing quality content that resonates with audiences while navigating the complexities of Zimbabwe’s business landscape. “Resilience, innovation, and a commitment to your vision can overcome even the most daunting challenges,” he concludes. “That’s what my journey has taught me.”

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