Kubi Chaza Indi is a distinguished Zimbabwean development activist, businesswoman, and former actress, whose experiences bridge cultures and industries from the United Kingdom to Southern Africa. Born Ethel Kubvoruno Chaza Indi, she grew up in a family of seven in Zimbabwe, attending Murehwa Mission in Mashonaland East Province. Known for her sociable and playful nature in school, she began her career as an actress and model while living in the United Kingdom, where she would reach global audiences through film.
Her breakthrough came in 1973 with a small but memorable role in the James Bond film “Live and Let Die.” In this iconic production, she appeared as the sales girl at the Oh Cult Voodoo shop a character whose actions contribute tension and intrigue to the scene by tipping off the villain as James Bond leaves. This moment marked her as one of the first Zimbabwean women to appear in a major international franchise, and it remains a notable highlight of her acting portfolio. Kubi’s film and television credits include roles in “Toomorrow,” “Royal Flash,” “Love Thy Neighbour,” as well as the British TV series “The Protectors” and “Adam Smith.”
After Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, Kubi and her husband, renowned actor John Indi, returned home to establish House of Kubi, a groundbreaking cosmetics company. The brand quickly gained recognition for creating products suited specifically for African hair and skin, becoming a household name across Southern Africa. Their commitment to representing and serving local communities through business gave Kubi a new platform to advance issues she cared about deeply.
Aside from her entrepreneurial career, Kubi has remained a dedicated advocate for women’s economic empowerment and social development. She holds the position of secretary-general in the Indigenous Business Women’s Organisation in Zimbabwe and is also an active member of the Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe. Her passion for social causes led her to help found the Our Children Our Future Trust, which provides support for children affected by parental incarceration.
Kubi returned to filmmaking in Zimbabwe, stepping into the role of producer in the late 1980s. Notably, she produced the film “I Am the Future” in 1989 a story about a young woman escaping war-torn rural Zimbabwe for the city during the country’s independence struggle. She would later act in the classic Zimbabwean film “Neria,” written by Tsitsi Dangarembga and directed by Godwin Mawuru, which explores complex issues of widowhood and women’s rights, with a soundtrack by Oliver Mtukudzi. Both films demonstrate Kubi’s enduring commitment to telling authentic Zimbabwean stories and empowering women through the arts.
Through her work in film, business, and social advocacy, Kubi Chaza Indi continues to be celebrated as a trailblazer combining creativity and determination to uplift communities and break new ground for women in business and the arts.
Dandaro Online Zimbabwe Did You Know
