Mai TT made history with the Lost in Ashes premiere, featuring seven Nollywood stars in Zimbabwe.
History was made at Westgate Cinema on Saturday as socialite and comedienne Felistas “Mai TT” Murata hosted a grand première for her film ‘Lost in Ashes’. This event went far beyond a typical movie launch; it became a landmark cultural celebration, highlighted by the unprecedented presence of seven Nollywood heavyweights in Zimbabwe. The fusion of local and international talent created a memorable night that showcased the growing influence of Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry and cemented Mai TT’s status as a leading figure in comedy, film, and cultural innovation.
As detailed by Tafadzwa Zimoyo of Zimpapers Entertainment, the night was a powerful statement of resilience, ambition, and the dawn of a new era for African film partnerships, with Mai TT firmly at its centre.
A Regal Entrance and a Declaration of Victory
Mai TT’s entrance was nothing short of regal. Dressed in white and gold, her commanding aura instantly drew comparisons to the “woman king.” As cameras flashed, she raised her hand and declared, “My glory and crown has been returned.” It was a moment of victory that captured the essence of her journey, turning a red carpet into a stage for personal and professional reclamation.
Inside the theatre, her performance was met with roaring approval, with audiences breaking into song and dance. An emotional Mai TT later addressed the crowd, framing the film as a testament to her resilience. “This movie is not just about entertainment — it is about strength, about telling our own stories and about never letting failure define us,” she said to thunderous applause.
A Cultural Bridge Endorsed by State and Stars
The presence of Nollywood stars Mike Ezuruonye, Mike Godson, Anita Joseph, Chinyere Winfred, and others transformed the event into a powerful act of cultural diplomacy. The collaboration earned high praise from both the Nigerian guests and Zimbabwean officials.
Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya, endorsed the film as a landmark achievement. “This is more than a première; it is a cultural exchange that will elevate our industry,” she said, adding that the project demonstrates that "Zimbabwe is open for business in the Cultural and Creative Industries."
The Strategic Blueprint: How Mai TT Engineered a Landmark Success
Strategic International Alliance
By partnering with Nollywood, Mai TT elevated her project from a local film to a Pan-African event, generating immense media value and prestige.
Mastering Narrative Control
She successfully framed the premiere as her redemption story—turning past storms into "sweet lemonade" and positioning herself as a symbol of resilience.
Securing High-Level Endorsement
Garnering praise from a Deputy Minister provided official validation, aligning her personal brand with national ambitions for the creative sector.
Setting New Industry Standards
Despite minor critiques on red carpet fashion, the event set a new benchmark for film premieres in Zimbabwe, demonstrating the power of ambition and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
It was a landmark event because, for the first time, seven Nollywood heavyweights, including Mike Ezuruonye and Mike Godson, graced a Zimbabwean red carpet for a local film premiere, signifying a new era for African film partnerships.
The collaboration received a strong endorsement from Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya. She praised it as a "cultural exchange that will elevate our industry" and reiterated that "Zimbabwe is open for business" in the creative sectors.
They praised her for breaking barriers into a tough industry. Mike Ezuruonye highlighted her "courage," Anita Joseph called her a "strong woman who carries Zimbabwe on her shoulders," and director Iyke Odife emphasised the importance of such collaborations for industry growth.
Polaris Systems: Our approach works so well because we provide a single point of contact for every customer, creating multiple efficiencies. We aim to ensure a seamless experience, resulting in partnerships that deliver improved value and minimal downtime. This is how we achieve true customer satisfaction.
We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Contact us anytime!
Kuda (Borehole)