Kubi Indi

EARLY LIFE

Kubi Indi was born Kubi Chaza in Zimbabwe and grew up in a family of seven. She attended Murehwa Mission in Mashonaland East Province, where she was known for her sociable and playful nature. She later trained as a nurse in Scotland before moving into modelling in London, studying at the London Academy. Her striking presence led to modelling assignments across Europe and attracted the attention of film producers.

CAREER

Acting and modelling (1970s UK period): Under her maiden name Kubi Chaza, she became one of the first Zimbabwean women to break into international modelling and acting. Key credits include: Toomorrow (1970) – Sylvana Live and Let Die (1973) – Sales clerk / sales girl at the Oh Cult Voodoo Shop (serving James Bond, played by Roger Moore; she wraps an item and alerts the villain after Bond leaves) Love Thy Neighbour (1973 film and later TV) – First Black Girl / Cleo Royal Flash (1975) – Lucy British television: The Protectors (Jill), Adam Smith, Albert!, Play for Today, The Culture Vultures, and others Film work in Zimbabwe: After returning home, she continued in film both in front of and behind the camera. She produced I Am the Future (1989; also listed as 1993 in some catalogues), a story about a young woman (Stella Chiweshe) fleeing the independence war for the city, directed by Godwin Mawuru. In 1993 she played Connie (the modern neighbour) in the landmark Zimbabwean film Neria, written by Tsitsi Dangarembga, directed by Godwin Mawuru, and featuring a soundtrack by Oliver Mtukudzi. She has remained a member of the Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe. A later credit includes Shaina (2020) as Rooster Gogo. Entrepreneurship: In 1981 the couple opened a hair salon in Machipisa, Highfield (Harare). Recognising the lack of cosmetics formulated for African skin and hair, she founded Kubi Cosmetics (also known as House of Kubi). She established an industrial factory in Msasa, Harare, becoming one of the earliest Black female pioneers in Zimbabwe’s mainstream beauty and cosmetics industry. The brand grew into a well-known name across Southern Africa for products tailored specifically to African women. Economic challenges in Zimbabwe later led her to shift manufacturing and distribution aspects of the business to South Africa, where the products continue to be made and sold. Her daughter Simbi Indi has been involved in running the brand in more recent years. In March 2026 she launched her memoir, KUBI: A Trend Setter’s Story of Entrepreneurship Against All Odds, at her Alexandra Park home in Harare, chronicling her 45-year journey as an entrepreneur and trailblazer.

PERSONAL LIFE

She married Zimbabwean actor and producer John Indi. The couple returned to Zimbabwe after independence. They have at least one daughter, Simbi Indi, who has been involved in running the Kubi brand. The family has been based between Zimbabwe and South Africa in later years due to business needs. Indi has remained active in community and women’s empowerment work alongside her family and business life.

Kubi Indi has been deeply involved in development and women’s empowerment. She has served as Secretary-General of the Indigenous Business Women’s Organisation in Zimbabwe, advocating for women in business and development. She is a patron of Our Children Our Future Trust (OCOFT), which supports children whose parents are in prison. She is widely regarded as a pioneering figure who combined international entertainment success with grassroots entrepreneurship and advocacy for African women in business and the arts.