Maynard Manyowa Biography

Maynard Manyowa is a Zimbabwean-born award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, photographer, and academic researcher based in the United Kingdom. He 34 years old as of early 2026.

Biography Profile

Full Name: Maynard Kudakwashe Chinyama Shavirai Manyowa
Birth Place: Zimbabwe
Date of Birth: 6 August 1991 (Age – 34)
Occupation: Journalist, Documentary filmmaker, Photographer
Website: maynardmanyowa.com
Wives: Mutsa Guta (1st wife), Boipelo Manyowa(2nd wife), Tsholofelo Manyowa(3rd wife)
Known Children:
Nationality: Zimbabwean

Early Life and Education

His full birth name is Maynard Kudakwashe Chinyama Shavirai Manyowa and was born in Zimbabwe. He was born on August 6, 1991. He began his journalism journey in 2007 while still in high school.(1, 2)

Manyowa later earned a Master’s degree (MA) in Documentary Journalism from Nottingham Trent University in the UK. He is currently a postgraduate researcher pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Journalism and Media at Bournemouth University, where he has completed his probationary and major review stages.(3)

His research explores the intersection of digital technologies, journalism culture, and the future of ethical reporting, with additional focus on the evolution of newsrooms and practices post-COVID-19. As part of his training, he has delivered part-time teaching at Bournemouth University, Nottingham Trent University, and universities in Malawi.

Career

Manyowa has accumulated over 17–18 years of experience across all beats and roles in modern newsrooms. He produces content in multiple formats, including print, text, video, audio, and photography.

Early Work: Before relocating to the UK, his reporting appeared in major African and international outlets such as News24, Daily Maverick, SABC, and CBS New York.
UK Career: He has secured bylines in prominent UK national newspapers including the Daily Mirror, Daily Star, Express, Sun, and The Voice, as well as 37 regional titles across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Documentaries: He contributed to two documentaries produced via Made in Manchester for the BBC World Service and BBC Sounds. One profiled Zimbabwe’s Paralympic champion Eliot Mujaji, and the other examined the Nigeria Super Falcons and women’s football in Africa.(4)
Investigative Journalism: He serves as an investigative journalist and lead figure with WeDugUp (often styled as @WeDugUp), focusing on in-depth reporting, particularly on Zimbabwean issues. He previously founded or was involved with platforms like Khuluma Afrika and Derby Now (a local newspaper he started after leaving Reach plc).(5)
Photography and Multimedia: Manyowa is a professional sports photographer specializing in football. He captures matchday action for the Premier League, EFL Championship, League One, and League Two under the alias @Camera_Maynard. He also works as a videographer and cinematographer.(6)

He has worked across diverse roles and has been recognized as an award-winning journalist, with nominations in categories such as media personality of the year in Zimbabwean achievers awards (UK edition).

Personal Life

Kuda Manyowa lived a controversial personal life. He married multiple women at the same time. At first, he defended this lifestyle. However, he later changed his view. In a personal piece for News24, he called it his biggest mistake. He admitted that he was a “lousy polygamist” because he truly loved only one woman.(7)

Firstly, Mutsa Guta was often described as his “first wife.” Their relationship drew public attention. For example, they appeared in court in 2022 over allegations related to the Domestic Violence Act. Secondly, Boipelo Manyowa played a central role in his life. She is a South African journalist and musician. They even worked together on his debut single, Kumagumo.(8) Over time, he clarified that she is now his only wife. In addition, he introduced Tsholofelo Manyowa as his third wife in August 2021.

Moreover, Manyowa is a father to several children. Although reports vary, he has openly acknowledged a number of them. He shares Maynard Jnr and Kaiyron with Boipelo. He also has children with Mutsa, including Anotida and Ashley. Notably, he once shared on X (formerly Twitter) that his late aunt, Jemina Pruzent Manyowa, used to care for Anotida as a baby.(9)

At the same time, his life includes deep personal loss. In 2020, his older brother Hurbet died by suicide. This tragedy affected him deeply. He later reflected on it publicly, calling Hurbet the “prince of Kadoma” and a source of pride for their mother.

Finally, Manyowa remains active on social media. He uses X under the handle @iAmKudaMaynard. There, he shares journalism, photography, and personal commentary with a growing audience.

Current Focus

Based in the Manchester/Nottingham area (with ties to Derby), Manyowa continues to balance investigative journalism, sports photography, documentary work, and academic research. His personal website (maynardmanyowa.com) showcases his portfolio, emphasizing a commitment to uncovering truth and telling impactful stories through ethical journalism.

Maynard Manyowa remains a multifaceted media professional bridging practical newsroom work, documentary production, visual storytelling, and scholarly inquiry into the future of journalism.