27/09/2025
Thunderous heroes’ welcome for Nigerian stars ahead of Lost in Ashes Premiere
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
HARARE’S Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport was transformed into a sea of song, dance and ululation today as seven celebrated Nigerian actors touched down in Zimbabwe to a thunderous welcome.
The star-studded cast —Mike Ezuruonye, Mike Godson, Chinyere Winfred, Joy Patrick
Ezedike, Anita Joseph, Iyke Odife and Flossy Florento — arrived ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of Lost in Ashes, in which they are starring together with local socialite comedian-turned-actress Mai TT.
Hundreds of fans braved the scorching afternoon heat, waving placards, snapping selfies, and breaking into spontaneous dances to welcome the Nollywood giants.
The excitement was deep, signalling a new chapter for Zimbabwe’s film industry, which has long aspired to attract global collaborations of this magnitude.
Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya, led the official welcoming delegation.
She praised the Nigerian stars for honouring Zimbabwe with their presence and spoke passionately about the broader significance of the collaboration.
“Today is not just about a movie premiere; it is about rewriting the narrative of our creative industry,” Jesaya declared.
“These celebrated actors represent a powerhouse of African cinema, and their presence here shows that Zimbabwe is open for cultural exchange, investment, and growth in the arts.”
“We say welcome home as Africa is one,” she said.
For Mai TT, born Felistas Murata, the arrival of her Nigerian co-stars was nothing short of a personal milestone.
Standing in front of a buzzing crowd, the comedian-turned-actress was visibly emotional as she expressed what the moment meant to her.
“This is a dream come true,” Mai TT said, donning the Zimbabwean flag dress. “For years, I have prayed and worked tirelessly to push myself beyond comedy, to show that Zimbabwean talent can stand side by side with the best in Africa. Seeing these legends here, in my home country, to
premiere a film we made together, is proof that dreams are valid. This is not just my victory — it’s a victory for Zimbabwe.”
The film Lost in Ashes is being hailed as a potential game-changer for Zimbabwean cinema. It tells a gripping story of resilience, survival, and hope, with Mai TT in a leading role alongside her
Nigerian counterparts. Industry experts believe the collaboration will set new
standards for production, distribution, and international visibility.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe spokesperson, Agga Nyabinde, echoed this optimism, stressing that the event is more than a glitzy red carpet moment.
“This premiere marks the beginning of something historic,” Nyabinde said. “Zimbabwe’s film industry has for years struggled with funding, recognition, and exposure. By bringing Nollywood stars here, we are opening new doors for co-productions, training opportunities, and
distribution channels. It will inspire young filmmakers and prove that Zimbabwe is ready to compete on the continental stage.”
As the Nigerian stars waved to cheering fans and posed for photos, it was clear that their presence had struck a chord far beyond celebrity culture. Their arrival carried with it a promise: that Zimbabwe’s film industry could find new life, new direction, and new glory in pan-African collaboration.
Tomorrow’s premiere of Lost in Ashes promises not only a dazzling red carpet but also a moment of reckoning for Zimbabwean cinema— one that could define its trajectory for years to come.
