POVERTY was his middle name.
Resentment became part of his life as he almost gave up on everything.
Deserted, when he was only nine, and unwanted in his teens, it all looked gloomy.
He says he never thought one day he would rise to become a darling of the country.
However, the hunger to succeed and having faith in God, helped him to rise to the top.
This aptly sums up Star FM’s most sought-after-presenter, DJ Ollah 7’s gruelling journey to the top.
Born Owen Madondo, the presenter conceded he never got it on a silver platter.
He recalled his past after celebrating his 30th birthday in style recently.
“I grew up under the care of my grandmother,” he said.
“She is the one who raised me after taking me from my mother when I was only nine months old.
“Then, I was still breastfeeding and she also took me to school.
“I was staying in the rural areas until I was Form Three.”
DJ Ollah 7 said relocating to the capital did not bring instant joy in his life.
“In 2007, I then came to Harare before enrolling at Zengeza High 1 School.
“Things were still bad, since my mother had remarried, and you know how it is,” said Ollah 7.
He said he never had a special bond with his father.
“I grew up as someone who did not know my family.
“I only saw my father in 2006, when I was doing Form Two.
“From there, I would visit but I did not stay with him.
“So, my life was painful without a father as my mother was struggling somewhere.
“My grandmother was struggling with me as we stayed in a two-roomed house, which I destroyed, and rebuilt a better one for her. “Currently, I now I have my own house and properties.”
The disc jockey, who hosts the Star FM’s After Drive show, said he would take any job.
“I didn’t get it easy in life and I had the guts to take any job.
“At one point, I became a vending tout, ndichisheedzera mumashops ehembe mutown umu, and my first employer was Biggie Chinoperekwei of Divine Assignment.
“I used to work at Bush House along Cameron Street before he opened another shop at corner Chinhoyi and Albion streets.
“I was again touting there and at that time I was a clothing tout and he was the first to be my paymaster.
“While I was there, I was noticed by someone who called me to their supermarket,” he added.
He said he got the life-changing opportunity when he went for the Star FM auditions.
“I went for auditions at Star FM, which were held at Alex Park.
“I arrived only to see about 2800 people.
“Fortunately, I qualified to be in the top eight.
“I thank God, but as someone who grew up in poverty, I can now do my own things. “This year, I decided to do a big birthday bash, in which I chose Chitungwiza since that’s where I grew up after I came from kumusha.
“I have not stayed anywhere except Chitungwiza.
“I planned this bash at Leisure Centre. I did an event which had VIPs and family,” said Ollah.
The young presenter said the bash was meant to unite friends, fans, corporate and family members.
“The reason was to unite my relatives, church, corporate because these people contributed to be what I am today.
“I had several artists, Baba Harare, Vabati vaJehova, Nutty O, Mathias Mhere, Rumbi Zvirikuzhe, BaShupi, Peter Moyo, Mambo Dhuterere, King Shaddy.
“They came to perform for free.
“They came to support me and we had more than 10 000 people.
“I was surprised since I have not done any show like this in my life.
“I felt so humbled, to see such a big number
“My budget was around US$3500 for everything. Some people helped me, but most of the things I did it alone.
“I thank God for helping this,” he added.
He shared his experience in the industry.
“I now have a decade on radio, I am moving with my theme #Rewriting my own history#Changing my narrative.
“The story is based on where I am coming from and where I am going.
“This is based on what happened before, the narrative/ perception which people know about me.
“People should now have a new narrative on me, not Ollah the small name, I was 10 years ago.
“There is the new Ollah, a new brand. I am now on a new level, ndiMwari, I thank you.”
Info News
Mortgage Refinancing Options Homeowners Should Consider in 2026
Understanding Mortgage Refinancing
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Mortgage refinancing allows homeowners to replace their existing home loan with a new mortgage that offers updated terms, lower interest rates, or improved financial flexibility. Millions of homeowners refinance their mortgages to reduce monthly payments, shorten loan terms, or access home equity for major expenses.
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As interest rates fluctuate in 2026, refinancing continues to attract homeowners looking for long-term savings opportunities. Even a small reduction in interest rates can save borrowers thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Refinancing can also help borrowers transition from adjustable-rate mortgages to more stable fixed-rate loan structures.
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Homeowners considering refinancing should evaluate their financial goals carefully before applying. Some borrowers focus on reducing monthly payments, while others prioritize paying off mortgages faster or consolidating debt using home equity.
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Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage
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One of the biggest benefits of mortgage refinancing is lower monthly payments. Reduced interest rates can significantly improve household cash flow, allowing homeowners to save more money or manage other financial obligations more comfortably.
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Refinancing may also shorten the loan repayment period. Some homeowners switch from 30-year mortgages to 15-year loans to reduce long-term interest expenses and build home equity faster.
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Cash-out refinancing is another popular option. This allows homeowners to borrow against accumulated home equity to finance renovations, education expenses, business investments, or debt consolidation.
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Factors to Consider Before Refinancing
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Although refinancing offers many advantages, homeowners should carefully compare lender fees, closing costs, and loan terms before making decisions. Refinancing costs may include appraisal fees, loan origination charges, title insurance, and legal expenses.
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Credit scores play a major role in refinancing approval and interest rates. Borrowers with stronger credit profiles generally qualify for more competitive terms and lower rates.
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Timing is also important. Homeowners planning to move within a short period may not benefit enough from refinancing savings to justify upfront costs.
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Final Thoughts
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Mortgage refinancing remains a powerful financial tool for homeowners seeking lower payments, improved loan terms, or greater financial flexibility. Careful planning and lender comparison can help borrowers maximize savings and avoid unnecessary expenses.
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By understanding refinancing options and evaluating long-term goals, homeowners can make smarter financial decisions that support long-term stability and wealth growth.
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Cybersecurity Solutions for Businesses in the Digital Economy
Cybersecurity has become one of the most critical concerns for businesses operating in today’s digital environment. Companies of all sizes face growing threats from ransomware attacks, phishing scams, data breaches, and identity theft. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud computing, online banking, and remote work systems, protecting sensitive information has become essential for long-term success.
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Modern cybersecurity strategies involve multiple layers of protection, including firewalls, antivirus software, data encryption, and employee training programs. Cybercriminals often target businesses through human error, making staff awareness an important part of digital security. Organizations are investing heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure to reduce financial losses and maintain customer trust.
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Small businesses are especially vulnerable because they may lack advanced security systems and dedicated IT departments. Experts recommend regular software updates, secure password management, and cloud backup systems to improve protection against cyberattacks. Businesses handling customer payment information and confidential data must also comply with data privacy regulations and security standards.
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Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to strengthen cybersecurity systems. AI-powered tools can detect suspicious activity, monitor networks in real time, and respond to threats faster than traditional security methods. As cyber threats continue evolving globally, cybersecurity professionals are expected to remain in high demand across multiple industries.
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