Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Loveness “Mujibha” Mainato, the founder of the Albino Charity Association of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ), firmly believes that creatives with albinism are thriving despite facing significant resource limitations.
Mainato, whose organisation supports over 10 000 individuals living with albinism across the country, has recognised the immense talent and potential among these creatives.
However, she expressed genuine concern that this talent may go unfulfilled if it is not nurtured, as those with albinism continue to confront societal stigma.
“We have many creatives with albinism who excel in modelling, music, storytelling and even academics who need our support,” she stressed.
“As someone who has been advocating and lobbying for the well-being of people with albinism to be prioritised, my heart bleeds when I see them suffering.
“We can’t afford to turn a blind eye to these individuals, especially creatives who are immensely talented.
“It’s sad that we still have communities that associate people with albinism with curses or various myths.” Mainato, who was deserted by her former husband in 2008 after giving birth to two children with albinism, noted that she has accepted the condition and formed ALCOZ.
“My past experiences have taught me to prioritise the welfare of children with albinism because I know how it feels to look after people with this condition.
“Imagine, my former husband deserted us after we were blessed with children with albinism and even failed to show up at the funeral of our daughter who passed away last year in June.
“It is for this reason that, at my Unit B home in Chitungwiza, I am looking after 11 children with albinism, some of whom are part of my musical group, The Shooting Stars Band, where I am teaching them the ropes,” she stated.
A talented musician in her own right, Mainato is one of the few females performing sungura music, a male-dominated genre.
Three more females — Rorirani Makawa, Patricia “Tete Pipilo” Makusha, and Maidei Njirayambodza — join this small list of women pursuing sungura. Mainato, who has been consistent since 2011 after quitting gospel for sungura, has also included some of the kids with albinism in her setup.
“I have high expectations for all my children with albinism, and that’s why I make sure they are an integral part of what I do.
“When it comes to campaigns where we use music, plays, models, and other stunts, I make sure to involve them because I have high hopes for their future.
“Only death will stop me from fulfilling that mandate, which I feel is a special calling from God to come and help the albino community, which is still being marginalised in other communities,” she stated.
Musically, Mainato described the past year as one of the most challenging phases for her and her dependants.
“2025 was a tough year for me because I lost my daughter, and I was left distraught since she meant so much to me.
“Words are not enough to describe the pain because she was also very supportive in my music career, campaigns, and modelling sessions.
“She was only 24, and the expectations were high since she was multi-talented. I will certainly miss her as my jewel and my everything,” she pointed out.
Despite the loss of her daughter, Mainato did not end the year empty-handed, as she released two singles titled “Vene Vayo” and a love song “Ndodiniwo.”
“I am currently promoting my singles that I recorded with people with albinism at Anthony Gasani in Harare.
“The first single, “Vene Vayo,” is a dedication to the President for his mantra of leaving no one behind and no place behind, as he champions infrastructural developments.
“We have a lot to celebrate under his leadership since he has managed to turn around our fortunes and take good care of everybody, including the welfare of people living with albinism,” she explained.
She also praised national pageant organisers for including models with albinism in the track “Ndodiniko,” which celebrates the natural beauty of Zimbabwean girls.
“In Zimbabwe, we have some of the most beautiful girls who need our support to compete and make an impression at global pageants.
“I was happy to see models with albinism participating in a big competition last November, and that alone was a triumph for us.”
