‘I’ve served creative sector with distinction’

Trust Khosa

Yesteryear arts promoter Venenzia Madake reckons she has distinguishably served the music sector. 

Better known as Mai Jojo in music promotion circles, the 56-year-old will celebrate 31 years in the industry this year. 

Despite keeping a low profile, she remains passionate about uplifting players in the creative sector. 

She is in the same league of female arts promoters as Barbara Chikosi of Red Rose Entertainment and Nancy Manyaya of Presdom Promotions. 

Mai Jojo, who made her mark with Venus Promotions, continues to be a prominent figure in supporting creatives.

She used to own Mai Jojo Night Club in Harare’s central business district, which had become an entertainment hub. 

After closing the club, she built the Colour Purple Leisure Centre in Southerton, Harare. 

Although she has been keeping a low profile, concentrating mainly on farming and the liquor business, she doesn’t want Colour Purple to become a white elephant.

She was badly affected by the Covid-19-induced lockdowns, but Mai Jojo believes it’s never too late to recharge her batteries. 

Reflecting on her 30-year journey in arts promotion and taking The Herald Arts down memory lane, Mai Jojo does not regret the ups and downs she faced.

“I can safely say that I started this business of promoting music in 1995 out of passion. I had worked for several companies after finishing school and had enough capital to hire musicians under my stable, Venus Promotions. 

“Back in the day, I worked with the likes of John Chibadura, Simon Chimbetu, Tongai Moyo, Alick Macheso, Peter Tangwena, and Rodrick Chemudara, touring many parts of the country,” she recalled. 

“Being in a male-dominated field was not easy for me, but I received a lot of encouragement from Mama Red Rose (Barbara Chikosi) and Nancy Manyaya of Presdom Promotions, some of the female promoters of my generation. We soldiered on, although the industry has its politics, which is still present.” 

She also shared how they interacted with other male promoters. 

“At our peak, there were big promoters like Christ Musabayana, Lashton Chitoro, Jimmy Jimalo, Felix Ngove, and Esau Mupfumi, among others. 

“Back then, there was no sabotage when one was organising a show. For instance, we would borrow beers from each other when stocks ran low during live shows. 

“The level of unity was awesome, but it’s quite unfortunate that nowadays we don’t usually see such scenarios,” emphasised the arts promoter. 

 However, she lamented that some top artists are now shunning her. 

“There are several people who passed through my hands, like Jah Prayzah, Macheso, Kapfupi, and many others. 

“It’s hard to engage some of them for a show for reasons I don’t know. Others still come here at Colour Purple asking for shows, like Tindo and Mark Ngwazi. My venue is open for live shows, and I will always embrace them,” she said.

Among the local artists she worked with, Mai Jojo was pleased with Macheso’s consistency.

“We saw his potential back when he was still at Khiama Boys, and we were some of the first promoters to engage him for shows.

“He is a hardworking man who loves his job, and it is my wish that one day we can rekindle the old days. He is a busy man, and I know nothing will stop us from working together, resources and time permitting.”

Like any other promoter, Mai Jojo was not shy to open up about one of her big flops.

“Around 2004, I engaged the late South African reggae star Lucky Dube for a show at City Sports Bar in Harare. 

“Lucky Dube came by road since he had his own kit. He was stuck at the border for hours and only arrived in Harare very late. The guy performed, but hordes of fans had already left the venue, leaving us counting losses,” she recollected. 

Unlike some promoters, like Beauty James and Prince Tendai, who both died due to stress after encountering big flops, Mai Jojo remained strong. 

“Music promotion is gambling; you should expect any outcome. In my case, I was prepared for anything during that time of the year. I am also prepared to face more challenges when I resume business in 2025. It’s a calling I have, and I can’t just let it go.”

She also gave her opinion on the current crop of arts promoters. “The current crop of promoters is doing very well, but most tend to deal with established names. Some are identifying new gems, which is quite impressive. During our time, we mixed both established artists with newcomers,” she said. 

Following the demise of creativity during the Covid-19 era, Mai Jojo formed the Zimbabwe Artists Trust, which assists creatives in times of death, accidents, and destitution. She is working alongside Rowesai Hungwe.

Besides Madake, other members of ZAT include Hosiah Chipanga, Allan Chimbetu, Shepherd Chinyani, Josphat Somanje, Rabson Umari, Edward Kuyipa, Siphelani Chimuka, and Abigail Matibe, among others.

“I came to a point where I realised that it was better for us to form an organisation that caters to the welfare of musicians and other creatives. 

“This idea came after I realised that many people were knocking on my door in times of crisis. I can’t say that I am rich, but as a philanthropist, I always help people. However, some of them don’t come back and just say, “Thank you.” I don’t know why some people lack manners.” 

While many know her as a music promoter, she has uplifted creatives in other genres. 

“We used to sponsor pageants like Miss Big Matofotofo, poetry sessions, and other disciplines under our stable.”

So, who is Mai Jojo? 

Born in December 1968 in Musana, Bindura, 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.