Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
HISTORY was made at Westgate Cinema on Saturday as socialite and comedienne Felistas “Mai TT” Murata staged a grand première of her film Lost in Ashes, flanked by seven Nollywood heavyweights in a cultural fusion never seen before on local soil.
For the first time, Nigeria’s famed actors Mike Ezuruonye, Mike Godson, Anita Joseph, Chinyere Winfred, Joy Patrick Ezedike, Iyke Odife and Flossy Florento graced a Zimbabwean red carpet, a landmark collaboration that set the stage for a new era of African film partnerships.
Mai TT’s entrance was nothing short of regal. Dressed in white and gold, she walked into the cinema with a commanding aura, instantly drawing comparisons to the “woman king.”
Cameras flashed and fans screamed as she raised her hand high and declared, “My glory and crown has been returned.”
It was a moment of victory, power and dominance that captured the essence of her journey.
Inside the theatre, she blended seamlessly into her lead role in Lost in Ashes.
Her tone, energy and chemistry with her Nigerian co-stars brought depth to the film, while the settings — both culture and urban — added authenticity.
She even speaks in Shona during one of her conversations.
Thousands of audience roared with approval, with many breaking into song and dance to celebrate the home-coming of a woman who has endured storms and turned her lemons into sweet lemonade.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Mai TT defied odds with a message of resilience.
“Thank you, Zimbabwe. Thank you, Nigeria this is my moment and I have come to reclaim it,” she said to thunderous applause.
“This movie is not just about entertainment — it is about strength, about telling our own stories and about never letting failure define us.”
Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya endorsed the film and applauded the historic collaboration. “This is more than a première; it is a cultural exchange that will elevate our industry.
Partnerships like this prove that Zimbabwe can tell world-class stories,” she said.
Deputy minister Jesaya said, “We are all alive to the fact that the Second Republic is running with the philosophy that ‘Zimbabwe is open for business.” I wish to re-echo that mantra and say, indeed, Zimbabwe is open for business in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI), as is already enshrined in the NDS 1 priorities.”
“The growth of our CCI as a key driver for sustainable economic development is ably demonstrated by this project.”
She testified that Mai TT is now a household brand.
Nollywood stars openly praised Mai TT for breaking barriers.
Ezuruonye remarked, “To break into Nollywood is not easy, but Mai TT showed courage, and we respect that.”
Joseph added, “She is a strong woman who knows her worth and carries Zimbabwe on her shoulders.”
Winfred echoed, “This collaboration shows the future of African film — we stand taller together.”
Director Odife emphasised the need for more partnerships across the continent. “Collaboration is how Nollywood grew, and it’s how Zimbabwe will grow too. One powerful story can open markets and build bridges,” he said, pointing to the success of South African — Nigerian co-productions as examples. Fans were equally inspired.
“This is the Zimbabwe we want to see, bold and shining,” said one elated movie-goer. Another fan added, “Mai TT gave us hope tonight. She showed us that no matter what people say, greatness will always rise.”
Despite the late start, on the red carpet, local stars dazzled, but the event also highlighted a gap.
While some Zimbabweans turned up in elegant gowns and tailored suits, others fell short of regional standards, proving that the local fashion industry still has lessons to learn from neighbours like South Africa and Nigeria, where red carpet culture is a celebrated art.
As the credits rolled and the crowd rose to its feet in ovation, one thing was clear — Mai TT had not only premièred a film; she had reclaimed her crown, redefined her legacy and set Zimbabwean cinema on a bold new path.
