Actress, Model, Entrepreneur: Kubi Chaza Indi Tells Her Remarkable Story in New Memoir

Veteran Zimbabwean entrepreneur Kubi Chaza Indi has launched her memoir, chronicling a remarkable 45-year journey that established her as one of the country’s earliest Black female pioneers in the beauty and cosmetics industry.

By Plot Mhako

Kubi Chaza Indi is a Zimbabwean businesswoman, producer, actress, former model and development activist. In the 1970s she broke barriers in the entertainment industry, becoming one of the first Zimbabwean actresses and models to reach the international market. Born Kubi Chaza, she later married actor John Indi.

She trained as a nurse in Scotland before pursuing a modelling career in London. Her striking presence soon attracted film producers, leading to acting roles in international productions. She appeared alongside Hollywood legend Roger Moore in the Live and Let Die. Her acting credits also include Royal Flash, Toomorrow, and the Zimbabwean classic Neria.

After marrying John Indi, the couple returned to Zimbabwe in 1981 where they ventured into entrepreneurship, opening a hair salon in Machipisa, Highfield. Kubi later expanded her vision by establishing an industrial cosmetics factory in Msasa, Harare. Through the House of Kubi, she developed beauty products tailored specifically for African women.

We are not just launching a book, we are celebrating the blueprint she drew for African women in business. She did not just break the glass ceiling she built her own house. – Divine Ndhlukula is an Entrepreneur | Speaker | Author | Philanthropist.

Economic challenges in Zimbabwe later forced her to relocate aspects of her business to South Africa, where her products continue to be manufactured and distributed.

Beyond business and entertainment, Kubi Chaza Indi has remained active in women’s empowerment as Secretary-General of the Indigenous Business Women’s Organization, advocating for the advancement of women in business and development.

Selected Film Catalogue

• 1993 – Neria as Connie (credited as Kubi Indi)

• 1975 – Royal Flash as Lucy

• 1975 – Love Thy Neighbour (TV Series) as Cleo

• 1973 – Love Thy Neighbour as 1st Black Girl

• 1973 – Live and Let Die as Sales Girl

• 1972 – The Protectors (TV Series) as Jill

• 1972 – Adam Smith (TV Series) as an African Woman

• 1972 – Albert! (TV Series) as Parkinson

• 1971 – Play for Today (TV Series) as Member of the Public

• 1970 – Toomorrow as Sylvana

• 1970 – The Culture Vultures (TV Series) as West Indian Beauty

Producer

• 1993 – I Am the Future (Producer, credited as Kubi Indi)