In a candid and deeply personal episode of “Candid with Candy,” host V Candy sits down with one of Zimbabwe’s most beloved content creation families, The Musekaz. Known across social media for their infectious energy and relatable family dynamics, Papa Shosho, Mama Shosho, and Mama (Amwene) pull back the curtain on the incredible journey that led them to success.
Their story is a powerful narrative of resilience, detailing the painful financial struggles they endured in the South African diaspora, the unexpected viral breakthrough that changed their fortunes, and the emotional decision to return to Zimbabwe. Get ready to dive into the key themes that define their inspiring rise:
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Resilience in the Face of Poverty: Overcoming severe financial hardships in South Africa.
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The Power of Social Media: Transforming a fun hobby on Facebook into a lucrative career with millions of followers.
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Reverse Migration (The Great Return): The bold decision to leave the diaspora and return to Zimbabwe to build a permanent home.
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Breaking In-Law Stereotypes: Showcasing a loving and united relationship between the mother-in-law (Amwene) and daughter-in-law (Muroora).
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Faith and Vision: Trusting in God’s plan and having a vision for the future, even when resources are scarce.
From Surviving to Thriving: The Inspiring Journey of The Musekaz
The People in the Video:
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Host: V Candy (presenting “Candid with Candy”)
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The Guests (The Musekaz):
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Papa Shosho: The husband and son, a content creator.
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Mama Shosho: The wife and daughter-in-law (Muroora).
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Mama (Amwene): The matriarch and mother-in-law.
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Key Themes of the Interview:
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Resilience in the Face of Poverty: Overcoming severe financial hardships in South Africa.
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The Power of Social Media: Transforming a fun hobby on Facebook into a lucrative career with millions of followers.
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Reverse Migration (The Great Return): The bold decision to leave the diaspora and return to Zimbabwe to build a permanent home.
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Breaking In-Law Stereotypes: Showcasing a loving and united relationship between the mother-in-law (Amwene) and daughter-in-law (Muroora).
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Faith and Vision: Trusting in God’s plan and having a vision for the future, even when resources are scarce.
The Journey: Stories of Struggle and Success
The interview delves deep into the reality behind the polished social media presence of The Musekaz. Before the fame and the comfortable life in Zimbabwe, the family faced a brutal reality in South Africa.
The “Hand to Mouth” Struggle
Papa Shosho shares a touching story about their early days in South Africa, describing a life that was strictly “hand to mouth.” He recalls a time when they were living in a small one-room rental. The situation was so dire that they would buy groceries that could barely last two weeks, and for the remainder of the month, they had to scrape by. He vividly remembers the pain of having “not even juice” in the fridge, a symbol of the small comforts they couldn’t afford. The couple reminisces about surviving on the bare minimum, a stark contrast to the abundance they enjoy today.
The 50 Cent Crisis
Illustrating just how tight money was, the couple laughs—now from a place of safety—about a time involving a mere 50 cents. Papa Shosho owed money (or was owed), and that small amount was significant enough to cause stress. It paints a picture of a young couple fighting to survive in a foreign land, holding onto a vision that seemed impossible at the time.
The Social Media Turning Point
The turning point came unexpectedly. They didn’t set out to be famous; they started by playing games and filming skits on Facebook just for fun. Mama Shosho mentions that they initially called themselves by their names, but then decided to brand themselves as “The Musekaz” to represent the whole family. One video went viral, and by that December, they had hit 50,000 followers. Today, that number has exploded to over 2.6 million, proving that consistency and authenticity can change lives overnight.
The Decision to Return Home
A major part of the discussion focuses on their relocation back to Zimbabwe. Papa Shosho advises that while the diaspora offers opportunities, “home is best” if you plan well. He emphasizes the importance of investing back home rather than just spending on consumables in a foreign country. Their return wasn’t a sign of failure but a strategic move to build a legacy, evidenced by the beautiful house they are now completing—a far cry from the “small house” Papa Shosho originally envisioned for his family.
Advice and Conclusion
The interview concludes with powerful advice for viewers, especially those in the diaspora or struggling to make ends meet:
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Start with What You Have: You don’t need expensive equipment to succeed; The Musekaz started with simple phones and creativity.
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Invest in Home: Papa Shosho emphasizes the value of building assets in your home country. He notes that you cannot “buy your country,” implying that no matter how successful you are abroad, home offers a unique sense of belonging and ownership.
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The Sky is the Limit: In their closing remarks, the family encourages their fans to keep dreaming and supporting each other, asserting that with faith and hard work, “the sky is the limit”.
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Trust in God: V Candy signs off with her signature reminder, “Tomorrow belongs to God,” reinforcing the theme that their success is a mix of hard work and divine grace.
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