Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FORMER Orchestra Mberikwazvo assistant manager Tauro Miti is on cloud nine after getting medical assistance from veteran arts promoter and administrator Venenzia “Mai Jojo” Madake.
The 56-year-old was left wheelchair-bound following a 2023 hit-and-run accident in Chitungwiza.
Since then, he has been receiving medication and financial support from sungura ace Alick Macheso, who currently cares for more than 30 employees.
To ease Macheso’s growing expenses, Mai Jojo has stepped in to sponsor Miti’s rehabilitation.
“I didn’t know that Good Samaritans still existed,” Miti said.
“Since the day of the accident I have been surrounded by caring people. Macheso’s management has been looking after me, and now Mai Jojo has provided the crutches I’m using and is paying for my physiotherapy so I can walk again. It’s not easy to have people looking after you in times like these.”
Miti expressed deep gratitude for Mai Jojo’s help.
“I can’t thank her enough — she has done wonders for my life. I will always cherish the good people God has sent me since the accident. Words are not enough to thank her because life is now tough for everybody.
“I am just praying that God grants the desires of her heart and I will always respect her for the good job she is doing to assist me.”
Miti, who used to attend Macheso’s shows in a wheelchair, told Zimpapers’ Arts and Entertainment Hub that he was responding well to medication and physiotherapy.
“I can safely say that the therapy is going according to plan, and I am positive about continuing to shine. In my case, I see the hand of the Lord in everything I do in terms of rehabilitation. As you know, good health is the best gift one can ever have, and I am glad that people have come on board to assist me,” he added. In another interview, Mai Jojo, founder of the Zimbabwe Artistes Trust Foundation, said she was touched by Miti’s condition.
“Those who understand the history of Alick Macheso from the time he formed Orchestra Mberikwazvo would not omit Tauro Miti’s name,” she stressed.
“Of course he was an assistant manager to William Tsandukwa, but he played a major role in the management of the band. He was there from the onset until he was dismissed, yet he remained a loyal fan of the band.”
Mai Jojo revealed she was assisting Miti out of genuine love.
“I have always loved artistes, having been a promoter before. I also have an arts space at Colour Purple where artistes can perform, but when one of the creatives is down, I am quick to offer a helping hand,” she said.
With over 30 years in the industry, Mai Jojo — who is in the same league as female arts promoters such as Barbara Chikosi of Red Rose Entertainment and Nancy Manyaya of Presdom Promotions — still believes she has plenty to offer.
“I might not be the same Mai Jojo who used to promote high-profile shows, but we are not giving up. I have decided to do philanthropic work and assist my peers who are unwell.
“As for Macheso, we all know the good things he has been doing for his former band members who are either ill or struggling. He has been assisting former assistant manager Jatiel Machanja, who was recently amputated due to diabetes complications. He has helped Lucky Mumriki, who suffered a stroke, as well as Elton Muropa, who was unwell, and Tafi Nyamunda, who is now blind. To be honest, Macheso is a kind man, and we should commend him because the burden is too much for him,” she stated.
Mai Jojo, who made her mark with Venus Promotions, urged fellow promoters to champion charity work.
“We should not be promoters who are only after money; we need to give back in several ways. Of course we incur losses when promoting musicians, but let us not forget that sometimes we make a killing. The same people who entertain us also need our support in trying times,” she said.
Over the years she has worked with household names including Macheso, John Chibadura, Simon Chimbetu, Tongai Moyo, Peter Tangwena, and Rodrick Chemudara, among others. At her peak there were other big promoters like Chris Musabayana, Lashton Chitoro, Jimmy Jimalo, Felix Ngove, and Esau Mupfumi.
Born in 1968 in Musana, Mashonaland Central, she attended Mashambanhaka Primary School and completed her education at Arcturus Mine.
She finished high school at Murewa High and later worked as a relief teacher before pursuing secretarial studies and venturing into business.
Besides music promotion, she is also a farmer in Musana, Mashonaland Central Province, where she has established herself as a philanthropist, working with rural women and empowering them with income-generating projects.
A hospitality guru in her own right, Mai Jojo has vowed to mark the end of Women’s Month by empowering those in need. One of the beneficiaries is Miti.
