Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IMAGINE investing thousands of dollars to polish raw showbiz talent, only for them to forget you once they achieve success.
Imagine providing shelter and food to struggling creatives during their formative years, only to be abandoned when they taste fame.
Picture risking your assets and facing creditors after sacrificing everything to promote artistes out of love, then receiving nothing in return.
For benefactors who expect returns, the risk of stress or even suicide is high.
Recovering after such sacrifices is either a miracle — or a definitive no. Yet those who uplift the showbiz scene out of genuine passion are remembered for their good deeds.
Still, it takes a rare breed of benefactor to continue charitable work after losing thousands to ungrateful creatives. This path is not for the faint-hearted; it demands both financial strength and a generous spirit.
Can this be said of yesteryear’s arts promoter, Venenzia Madake — better known as Mai Jojo? Though she hails from an era of forgotten yet pioneering figures in arts promotion, she has played her part — and continues to do so.
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub recently sat down with Mai Jojo at her Colour Purple base in Southerton, Harare, where creatives still seek her financial assistance.
Having recently recovered from a health scare, Mai Jojo remains active as a businesswoman, farmer, philanthropist and promoter.
“I am still the same Mai Jojo you knew from my days of serious arts promotion, though I have stepped out of the limelight. I have realised I cannot behave the same way I did in my 20s or at the height of my career. But the industry has recorded my achievements — it is well known that I played my part,” she recalled.
Now 57, with over 30 years in arts promotion, Mai Jojo vows to continue supporting the arts until her last breath.
“In life, some habits become part of your identity. Trying to abandon them is like running away from yourself. I have tried farming, entrepreneurship, even catering — but I still feel I can give more to the showbiz sector, which I genuinely love,” she shared.
She stands alongside legends like Barbara Chikosi of Red Rose Entertainment and Nancy Manyaya of Presdom Promotions.
Currently, Mai Jojo offers financial, moral and medical support to fellow musicians through the Zimbabwe Artistes Trust (ZAT), which assists creatives in times of accidents, destitution and death.
Members include Hosiah Chipanga, Allan Chimbetu, Shepherd Chinyani, Josphat Somanje, Rabson Umari, Edward Kuyipa, Siphelani Chimuka and Abigail Matibe.
“This initiative was born out of a desire to address the challenges musicians face. Zimbabwean musicians may be among the poorest in the region, but that narrative must change.”
“It is heartbreaking to see musicians become beggars. At ZAT, I have included some of the financially challenged musicians on the board and I hope to help them engage in income-generating projects.”
She has also set up a free recording studio at Colour Purple, open to creatives across genres.
“The best way for musicians to stay relevant is by recording and releasing music regularly. I have partnered with veteran producer Jabulani Ndlovu under the Trutone Studios banner. He was once based in the CBD (central business district) but fell ill, so I stepped in to support him.”
With help from producers Wallace Mparutsa and Mr Gideon, Ndlovu is now recording music again.
“I have pledged to assist upcoming stars through this partnership. Many talented youngsters approach me for financial help and the best reward I can offer is access to professional recording facilities. I may not give them money, but I can cover transport costs and offer studio time.”
She also urges young musicians to embrace modern marketing strategies.
“Access to studios is one thing — marketing is another. Musicians must take responsibility for promoting their work. We would love to do everything for them, but financial constraints and evolving technology make that difficult.”
Mai Jojo, who made her mark with Venus Promotions, hints at resuming nationwide promotions.
“The company still exists. I have the venue and connections with both seasoned and young musicians. I think about it every day. But things are not done the way they were in the 1990s and early 2000s, when posters, radio and TV were enough to fill a venue.”
“Technology has simplified life, but you need to understand it. I am considering a comeback, but I need the right people to support me. For now, I have offered my venue to those who want to host shows. As a woman and mother figure, this is my way of saying thank you to the industry that gave me fame and everything I have.”
Mai Jojo worked with legends like John Chibadura, Simon Chimbetu, Tongai Moyo, Alick Macheso, Peter Tangwena and Rodrick Chemudara.
“Like any promoter, I have suffered losses — but I also made an impression. My name will not be forgotten when real promoters are mentioned. I will pick myself up, even when I am down.”
She also shared her thoughts on today’s promoters.
“They are doing well, but many focus only on established names. Some are discovering new talent, which is impressive. In our time, we mixed veterans with newcomers.”
Beyond showbiz, Mai Jojo is a successful farmer in Mashonaland Central province.
“I am fully utilising the land I received from the Government. We must work hard and find ways to supplement our income. I always encourage young people around me to work hard and make an impact. Sadly, some are content with very little despite their potential.”
So, who is Mai Jojo?
Born in December 1968 in Musana, Bindura, Mai Jojo attended Mashambanhaka Primary School. She completed her secondary education at Murewa High School.
As she reflects on her journey — her triumphs and trials — she remains unafraid to keep trying.
Her story is one of resilience, rising after every fall. She stands in a rare league of her own: an embodiment of faith, generosity and hard work.
