THE death of iconic Hollywood star Chuck Norris has stirred a wave of nostalgia across Zimbabwe. For some, it was a throwback to a time when they used to congregate at a house in their neighbourhood to watch TV and such Hollywood stars. In Kuwadzana, particularly along 270th Crescent, one household became a hub of entertainment in the mid-80s.
Eveline Chijongwe, who grew up in the suburb, said gaining entry into such homes was not automatic. “We had a house next door which had a television and a VCR decoder during the mid-1980s,” she said. “They had almost all the movies and people would gather there from around 7pm to 10pm.” “People would bath even twice just to be sure because the owners inspected you before allowing you in,” she said.
For those who bathed early, queued patiently and squeezed into crowded living rooms for a glimpse of their favourite action hero, the memories remain vivid. “It was about the experience, the people and the excitement. Chuck Norris was part of that.” In Mufakose, Themba Ndlovu recalled how entire streets would empty as people converged at a single house where there was a TV.
[paywall]
“We would contribute a few cents or sometimes just help with chores during the day so we could be allowed to watch in the evening,” he said. “If it was a Chuck Norris film, you made sure you were there early.” In Glen Norah A, Rudo Mupfumi shared a similar experience, noting that access was often determined by social standing and relationships. “Some families were strict. You needed to be known or recommended,” she said.
[/paywall]
All Zim News – Bringing you the latest news and updates.
