OUR TEAM
From the first concept to the final frame, this team is shaping a saga that will celebrate the beauty of Zimbabwean Heritage. We are storytellers, lens-smiths, and risk-takers united to capture the monumental journey of Raising of a Giant.
Sibusisiwe Mzinja
Executive Producer
Sibusisiwe is a young and dynamic talent hailing from Zimbabwe, recognized for her exceptional abilities in storytelling through the medium of film. Gifted with the rare skill of fluently speaking and writing in multiple African languages , Busie has forged a remarkable career path that reflects her passion for the Arts and her commitment to cultural expression. She has honed her craft by collaborating with Free Talent Entertainers and embarking on freelance projects. As Executive Producer and founder of Black Lips Films Production, she is currently leading her most ambitious project to date ,“Raising Of A Giant”.
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Leo Chikapa-Phiri
Producer
Trained in Zimbabwe, Leo’s first notable work was as a director in the acclaimed Gilbert Josamu Zimbabwean documentary ‘A Fighting Spirit’ (STEPS), a special jury prize winner at the 2002 BANFF Film Festival.
In a career spanning over 30 years working on African and International projects, credits as an Assistant Director include the Zimbabwean Feature Film ‘Yellow Card’ Carlton TV’s ‘Soldier Soldier’ HBO’s ‘Generation Kill” Idrissa Ouedraogo’s ‘Kini and Adams’, Charles Burnett’s “Namibia- The Struggle for Liberation” and Raoul Peck’s ‘Lumumba’.
His slate of projects at Known Associates Entertainment includes the “The Drop (2024”), the much-anticipated Football documentary Series “Class of 96:Rise of a Nation” now streaming on Netflix. Other work include the action thriller “Hunting Jessica Brok” currently streaming on Amazon Prime. His next release “Dear Sis Dolly” is slated for release in 2026 by Known Associates Entertainment.
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JAH PRAYZAH
Music Director
Arguably one of Zimbabwe’s biggest artists, Mukudzeyi Sean Mukombe, known professionally as Jah Prayzah is a Zimbabwean contemporary musician. He is renowned for blending traditional Zimbabwean music with afrobeats, reggae and contemporary sounds. Fans affectionately refer to him as “Masoja” (shona for “Soldier” due to his military-style stage outfits.
His name “Jah Prayzah” derives from his given name “Mukudzeyi” which means “Praise Him” in Shona. Jah Prayzah is represented on the project by Keen Mushapaidze of JP Entertainment.
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Kumbukani Chikapa-Phiri
General Manager
Kumbukani Phiri is a seasoned creative arts practitioner and leadership development specialist with over 22 years of experience spanning youth empowerment, cultural expression, and organizational leadership. His work has been deeply rooted in leveraging the arts as a catalyst for social change, including his contributions to the South Roots movement.
He currently serves as a Siyakha Model Master Trainer with the Bantwana Initiative of World Education Inc., where he plays a pivotal role in empowering young people through leadership development and creative expression. Kumbukani was instrumental in the research and development of the Life Skills and Job Preparation Training—widely known as Foundation Skills Training—an impactful program designed to equip youth with essential life and work-readiness skills.
Since 2011, Kumbukani has been actively involved in the evolution of the Siyakha Model, working alongside a team of experts to expand its reach and effectiveness. He has trained leaders across Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, and Lesotho, utilizing innovative tools such as videography and music in training-of-trainers workshops.
His expertise spans leadership development and project management across the creative arts sector, NGOs, private enterprise, and the broader business landscape. He holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management from the African Leadership Academy in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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