Mai Jojo appeals for help

Takawira Photoveteran Dapi

Yesteryear music promoter Venancia Madake, widely known as Mai Jojo in music circles, has reached out to renowned artistes Alick Macheso, Suluman Chimbetu and Jah Prayzah for financial help.

Feeling neglected by some of the artistes she once supported by providing performance venues and financial help, Mai Jojo expressed her distress over the fact that many of those she helped are now unreachable.

This situation has added to her challenges, prompting her public appeal for assistance.

She is now walking with an aid crutch due to a leg infection.

Mai Jojo’s financial difficulties began when her arts hub, Colour Purple in Southerton, Harare, was burnt down.

She was one of the female promoters who ventured into promotion in the ’90s.

Adding to her woes, her two nightclubs in Harare—Pa Mai Jojo and Venus Blues—have closed down.

“I do not blame the artistes because I have not managed to personally communicate with them. It’s now hard for me to visit them,” lamented Mai Jojo.

During her hey days, Mai Jojo promoted several artistes.

“Furthermore, I founded the Zimbabwe Artists Trust Foundation to improve the welfare of artistes,” she added. “The foundation helped many artists from long ago, including Edna ‘Mbuya Maduve’ Chizema, with free legal and medical support.”

“I am appealing for your support. I cannot perish while you watch. I am asking the artists not to wait for my funeral to say what l did for them. Please come and rescue me. As you can see I am now grounded, using crutches.