By Ashley Dean Misho | Arts and Entertainment Reporter
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Naledi Kadzvindu builds her own stage—one that stretches from the script page to the catwalk, from the podcast booth to the film set.
She carries a name that is both a declaration and a destiny: Progress. And under the vibrant, self-chosen moniker “The Chubby Baby,” she is not waiting for an invitation to the creative feast; she is cooking up her own.
Progress Naledi Kadzvindu, known unapologetically as The Chubby Baby, is a whirlwind of artistic ambition. She is an aspiring plus-size fashion model, an actress, a storyteller, a presenter, a content creator, and a podcaster.
Based in Bulawayo, her journey is a testament to self-belief in an industry where the path is rarely paved for those who defy narrow standards.
Her foundation in performance was laid early, nurtured in the vibrant theatres of church and primary school productions.
“I am that one person when I am around people I entertain,” she says,
Pinpointing the innate drive that has fuelled her.
Long hours spent immersed in Nigerian movies became more than entertainment; they were a portal, a space where she could envision her own future on screen.
That vision materialised last year with the release of her first movie, Isithembo (Polygamy), on Bulawayo Celebrity TV.
In a powerful double role, Progress not only wrote the story but also stepped into the lead actress’s shoes, proving her capacity to both conceive a narrative and bring it to life.
She further honed her on-screen presence as a presenter at the same network, while her voice found another home on the Bulawayo Connect podcast.
Yet, the heart of her mission beats in two powerful spaces: plus-size fashion modelling and digital content creation.
Inspired by local personel , Nessa Nobz and a growing community of body-positive icons, she embraces modelling as an act of representation.
“A few people who have a body like mine like to model,” she notes,
Highlighting the quiet revolution of confidence she aims to champion. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, she showcases her acting chops and personality, though she candidly shares the frustration of not yet reaching the visibility she desires.
This desire for greater impact bumps against the stark realities of her current challenges.
Progress speaks openly about the “lack of gigs,” the sting of “body shaming,” and the overarching hurdle of “lack of exposure.” “It’s hard,” she admits,
Acknowledging the steep climb for emerging artists, especially those challenging industry norms.
These challenges sometimes force difficult decisions, making promising collaborations or opportunities feel just out of reach.
But her ambition burns bright. She looks toward collaborations with established figures like Mama Vee , Mai Tt and other Harare socialites, seeing in them not just fame, but potential partners to bridge gaps and amplify her voice.
She is, as she says, “still starting,” navigating the formative turbulence of any artistic career with resilience.
Progress Naledi Kadzvindu’s story is not one of waiting for a spotlight to find her.
It is the story of someone building her own lantern—fueled by faith, honed in church halls, inspired by Nollywood dreams, and audaciously labelled “The Chubby Baby.” In every role she takes, every story she writes, and every post she shares, she is challenging the narrative, one vibrant, multifaceted step at a time. The journey is tough, but true to her name, she is steadily moving forward.
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