Synergies bear fruit for Mai TT
Comedienne Felistas “Mai TT” Murata has leveraged her ability to build international networks and forge strategic partnerships to establish a footprint beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
The creative, who commands a significant local following, has made consistent inroads into Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, as an actress, scriptwriter, and filmmaker. After producing her movie Lost in Ashes last year, Murata has used that success to strengthen ties with prominent Nigerian actors.
In her latest venture, Murata announced she will welcome veteran Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwor to Zimbabwe for the Bride of Christ Conference, scheduled to take place in Bulawayo on November 28.
Virtuous Daughters of the Word is hosting the event.
Ozokwor, popularly known to film enthusiasts as Mama G, will be visiting the country in her capacity as an evangelist rather than an actress.
“On the 28th of November, she is coming to Zimbabwe, Bulawayo,” Murata stated in a social media video that has since gone viral.
In the broadcast, Ozokwor confirmed her attendance, stating: “I am coming. Meet you there. You have to be there for me.”
Addressing the contrast between Ozokwor’s notorious on-screen persona and her real-life spiritual path, Murata noted: “Most Zimbabweans are scared because you portray that evil woman in most films.” Ozokwor responded by discussing her spiritual journey, which has deepened this year.
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Murata clarified her exact role in the upcoming visit.
“I am not the one behind her visit to Zimbabwe, but I was there acting in a movie that we worked on together with Patience Ozokwor,” Murata said. “I decided to share the video so that Zimbabweans could hear it from the horse’s mouth. In fact, Mrs Harrison is the one who invited her. I will be there as a guest speaker, like some of the people on the poster.”
Murata’s momentum in Nollywood grew after collaborating with Ozokwor on Lost in Ashes, a film inspired by Murata’s life story. The project has enabled her to connect with major Nigerian industry figures, including Mike Ezuruonye, Mike Godson, Chinyere Wilfred, Anita Joseph, and Joy Patrik Ezeike.
Her cross-border progress occurs alongside achievements by other Zimbabwean filmmakers in West Africa. Last year, the production team behind the 2018 liberation war film Chinhoyi 7 won recognition at the Rivers International Film Festival in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Written and directed by Moses Matanda, produced by Tawanda Sarireni, and militarily advised by retired Major Special Matarirano, Chinhoyi 7 chronicles the historic 28 April 1966 battle involving seven ZANLA guerrillas against the Ian Smith regime, which ignited the Second Chimurenga. *_-Herald_*
