The Rise of Tinashe Mutarisi - The Art of Business and The Business of Art
Tinashe Mutarisi is a name that resonates across Zimbabwe's commercial and creative landscapes. As the Founder and Chairman of Nash Holdings, he transformed a small paint shop into a national empire. But beyond the boardroom, he is a cultural architect—a man who paints futures as vividly as he paints walls. From humble beginnings in Wedza to navigating modern controversies, this is his untold story.
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| Tinashe Mutarisi: Building Legacies in Business and Culture. |
From Wedza to the World
Born in Wedza at Mount St Mary's, Tinashe Mutarisi grew up in a large, polygamous family; his father had three wives, and Tinashe was the son of the second wife. He later moved to Inyati Mine around Grade 2, a period he recalls as the true beginning of his conscious memory.
Life was not without its challenges. Growing up in a polygamous setup often involved friction—what he describes as seeing his mother being "denied a morsel of sadza" by his older brother. However, losing his parents at a young age fundamentally shifted his perspective. He credits his survival and success to the very siblings he once had friction with, choosing forgiveness over grudges. "If you hold onto a grudge," he reflects, "it is like carrying a heavy bag of luggage while the person you are angry at walks free."
Before the empire, there was the hustle. In the early 2000s, Tinashe left Zimbabwe for Botswana. He spent four years there, working in the retail and painting sectors. His time at a Spar in Chivhu (2001-2002) laid the foundational business knowledge, but it was in Botswana where he honed his trade in painting and panel beating.
It was a classic "rags to riches" story involving meager savings—at one point buying 4 tins of paint, selling them to buy 6, then 8, then 15. A pivotal moment came when a client pointed out that the paint he was selling in Botswana was actually sourced from South Africa, sparking the idea for cross-border trade that would eventually lead him back home.
Building the Nash Empire
In 2006, Tinashe officially registered his business. What started as a small retail operation in Chitungwiza with three employees has ballooned into a manufacturing giant. The turning point came when business consultants advised him on "backward integration"—moving from just buying and selling paint to manufacturing it himself. This strategic pivot allowed Nash Paints to control quality and costs, eventually dominating the market with branches nationwide.
Mutarisi didn't stop at paint. He expanded into a diversified conglomerate, Nash Holdings, which includes:
- Nash Paints: The flagship manufacturing and retail arm.
- Coloursel Furniture: A retail furniture chain.
- Nashrin Cargo Carriers: A logistics company ensuring supply chain efficiency.
- Foodies: A fast-casual dining franchise, recently launched in partnership with his son, Tinashe Jr., aiming to create a community hub rather than just a fast-food outlet.
The Cultural Architect
Tinashe Mutarisi is arguably the biggest corporate patron of the arts in Zimbabwe. His philosophy is simple: "Zimbabwe needs to be entertained." He has heavily invested in the careers of artists like Jah Prayzah, Freeman, and Saintfloew.
He views his role not just as a sponsor but as a mentor. When Saintfloew struggled with substance abuse, Mutarisi funded his rehabilitation and supported his comeback album, Rise and Lead. He emphasizes that his support is often philanthropic, stating that he has "lost" half a million dollars in potential profits by supporting artists without expecting direct returns, viewing it instead as a contribution to national morale.
Navigating Controversy
Mutarisi addressed the social media storm involving artist Delroy Shewe, who accused him of non-payment for his hit song "Superstar." Mutarisi clarified that while there was no formal contract initially, and he felt the platform he provided was payment enough (exposure), he ultimately paid the artist to quell the social media backlash. He maintains a stance of "doing good" and prefers to resolve conflicts to maintain his peace and brand integrity.
Often seen with political figures like Wicknell Chivayo, Mutarisi clarified his stance on politics. He describes himself as apolitical but pragmatic. "I align myself with the government of the day because they make the policies that affect my business," he explained. He dismissed rumors that he fights against the government, noting that his focus remains strictly on business growth and compliance.
Family, Education & Future
Despite his success, Mutarisi is a lifelong learner. He recently completed an MBA at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) alongside his wife, who serves as the COO of Nash Paints. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate, aiming to transition his business approach from "hustle" to "corporate," implementing robust systems and governance.
A father of seven, Mutarisi is actively grooming the next generation. His son, Tinashe Mutarisi Jr., a recent Upper Six graduate, has joined the family business as a co-owner of Foodies. Mutarisi emphasizes the importance of exposing children to the family trade early, breaking the cycle of "starting from zero" and ensuring a lasting legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tinashe Mutarisi is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, founder of Nash Paints and Chairman of Nash Holdings, known for his impact on the manufacturing and retail sectors.
He has seven children, including Tinashe Jr., Dion, and Narine. He is a strong advocate for family values and passing on business acumen to his kids.
Nash Holdings includes Nash Paints, Coloursel Furniture, Nashrin Cargo Carriers, and the newly launched Foodies restaurant chain.
No, he describes himself as a businessman who respects the government of the day to ensure business continuity, but he does not hold political office.
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