SOME people come into your life and change it in ways you never thought possible. For Shazzy Phiri, Wanga Zulu who carried the name of Mai Guru was that person, a guiding light who transformed a stubborn, lost young man into someone filled with hope, love and purpose.
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In Zambia’s hit telenovela Mpali, Phiri alias Hambe, played the role of a stubborn child, a character that reflected parts of himself, yet it was Mai guru who helped him grow beyond that stubbornness in real life.
As Mai guru’s screen son, Phiri shared with #Kalemba the deep pain of losing a woman who was not only his guide but also a closest friend.
“She was the only person who truly tolerated my nonsense, now that she’s gone, napuba ine. I’m left with no one to tolerate my nonsense,” he stated in an interview.
“She was a true pillar in my life and this loss has left an emptiness that words can hardly capture. Mai guru’s faith, patience and wisdom were the foundation on which I rebuilt myself.”
He stated that whenever life weighed heavily on him, Mai guru would drop everything to listen, offering not just sympathetic ear but genuine understanding.
More than a mother, Mai guru was a teacher who showed Phiri how to communicate with kindness and respect, skills he once struggled to master.
“Before her, I didn’t know how to approach people or certain situations, or how to be better in relationships. She shaped who I am today.”
Though her passing has left a void, Hambe is determined to carry her legacy forward.
“I want to live the way she lived, spreading love, kindness, and respect. That’s the impact she had on me, and I want to honor that every day,” he said.
Hambe reflected on the reality of loss, stating that death is painful but it’s something everyone must face.
“What matters is the legacy we leave behind. Mai Guru’s legacy is one of love and strength, and I will do my best to live up to that.”
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba October 20, 2025
