Denzel Burutsa aka Jabu – The actor who ate, slept and lived for Television work

Denzel Washington Denzel Burutsa aka Jabu, The actor who ate, slept and lived for Television work

By Tapfuma Machakaire    26/1/2023

It is indisputable that media platforms such as radio and television have unceasingly created characters that are revered in society the world over. In Zimbabwe, Studio 263 which became an instant hit on the small screen from 2002 was the country’s first locally produced soap opera. The show became one of the few locally produced series to be aired on international television channels such as M-net. Did Studio 263 produce legends?

Sixteen years after the show was pulled off the screen, many Zimbabweans still reminisce over the main characters of the soapie. Among the hilarious characters was Jabulani Jari played by Denzel Burutsa.

Through his popularity, Burutsa made headlines in 2019, albeit for the wrong reasons,when a scandalous video of him and a female partner went viral on social media.

Burutsa had to issue a public apology over the leaked video. His mother who nonetheless lacked appreciation of how popular his son had become for the role he played in Studio 263 came out in defence of Denzel. She argued that Zimbabweans were judging his son harshly on the scandal as he never received any recognition for his role in the sopie.

She was wrong. During the four years that the show was on air, viewers were thrilled by the cunning Jabu and his friend Dread Welly to the extent that they kept an interest in his life, hence the noise over the sex tape scandal.

The question in the minds of those who screamed on social media must have been: “How can our hero behave in such a disgraceful manner?” And Jabu did the right thing by apologizing when the mother was overprotective of his beloved son.

Jabu played the role of a troublesome son who is always disappointing his parents but is eventually forced to take responsibility of family affairs following the death of his father.That was an insurmountable task which saw Jabu transforming from a trouble shooter to a responsible man. He did justice to the character and probably fulfilled the vision of the creators of the show beyond their expectations.

In October 2016 Bruce Ndlovu of the Sunday News spoke to Burutsa and wrote an article in which he said “Central to the air of urban cool and vibrancy was Jabu, a character played by the talented Denzel Burutsa. Baggy jeans, oversized shirts were the young Burutsa’s preferred attire, which were complimented by neat cornrows or an Afro which seemed to demand constant attention from his ever present comb.”

He said Burutsa’s appeal did not end with his appearance as his boyish good looks made him the apple of many a young woman’s affection and obsession.

Burutsa responded saying “I ate, slept and lived for TV work, so I never had much time to be swayed,” He said Studio 263 raised the bar for television which is hard for people to forget.

The TV series which was on air five days a week for about four years was sponsored by Population Services International Zimbabwe (PSIZ) which targeted the urban youth with a view to reduce HIV and AIDS related illnesses.

Off stage, Burutsa tried to build a family by marrying Chipo Bizure a fellow actor in the same cast. The two had a son but the marriage sadly ended in 2005. Bizure was a young lady who featured in the Show while still in school studying for her O’ Levels.

She was among girls auditioning for Miss Teen in Harare in 2003 when a friend tipped her of a possible opportunity at Studio 263. Bizure played the character of Eve, the girlfriend of Muvengwa, played by the late Nevernay Chinyanga. Eve is the lady who did not need to go out of the studio to find a partner after she won the heart of Burutsa.

Burutsa continued his acting career when he became part of the cast of Wenera a new soapie which attempted to fill the void left by the popular Studio 263.

“Every role I play comes with different challenges. Both productions have done well on TV and it’s all because of the synergies we harness on set with co-actors. So I’d say its two different families with the same goal.” said Burutsa.

He later featured in other TV shows that include Chenzira, Scars of Love and Confessions. “I have done many roles and I find it hard each time people ask me which was my favourite and best role I have acted. Every role is exciting in its own right. As an actor, you need diversity to be dynamic or you end up being stereotyped to one character. I have learnt to love all my roles equally  the more the challenging, the better it is,” Burutsa told a Herald reporter.

Burutsa later attended the Afda Film School in Johannesburg South Africa where he studied film production. He was part of the production team that worked on films such as The Courier.

Burutsa is also into production of music videos and has produced videos for artistes that include Stunner, Trey Yung, Shinsoman and Sanii Makhalima.

In February 2021 Nehanda Radio spoke to Burutsa who had relocated to South Africa where he had ventured into other survival skills at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

He said he had not quit acting as speculated by some of his fans. Covid-19 had forced him to embark on other adventures for survival. “I am now based in South Africa where I am working at a furniture manufacturing company. We are making high-end furniture. I never quit acting but because of the current situation, it is difficult to move around.”

Burutsa said he missed his three children back home who live with his ex-wife.

“I am a divorcee and for now I am not thinking of remarrying, but rather focus on business and acting.”

Is Denzel Burutsa aka Jabu following in the footsteps of the famous American actor junior? Time will tell.