Owning the Narrative: Mai TT's Testimony and the Transformative Power of 'Lost in Ashes'
Written By: Oudney Patsika, the Chief Editor at Sona Headlines & Marketing Officer at Sona Solar Zimbabwe
As a journalist, I've seen countless public figures hide from their past. But few are brave enough to embrace their darkest chapters and weaponize them for good. Felistus Murata, known as Mai TT, is one of those rare individuals.
Her recent movie premiere of “Lost in Ashes” at the very institution where she penned it—Chikurubi Female Prison—was not just a screening; it was a profound act of self-ownership and redemption. This event was a powerful statement that resonates with a philosophy she lives by:
"Nobody can throw my past in my face. I will sit at the table and tell you everything from start to finish. I own my wrongs and failures, I have made peace with the darkest parts of my life. What’s tea to you is testimony to me."
This is the definitive motto of her second act. By turning her public failure into a cinematic feature, Mai TT has not just overcome her past—she has commercially, artistically, and spiritually monetised her mistakes, offering a clear path of hope for those currently walking where she once did.
Healing Wounds: Mai TT’s Movie Touches Hearts at Chikurubi
Inmates watched in awe yesterday as they attended the premiere of “Lost in Ashes,” a film penned by Mai TT during her time at Chikurubi Female Prison. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as 399 inmates, including 24 babies and six expectant mothers, watched the film written within those very walls.
Powerful Impact: Testimonies of Hope and Change
The most moving part of the afternoon was the reaction of the inmates, who saw their own pain and potential reflected on the screen.
Pauline Maganga (25), serving 10 years for human trafficking, openly wept. "I could not continue watching, it touched what I experienced with my husband... Mai Tt has come to heal my soul... I am younger than Mai Tt and I think I will make it in life," said Pauline.
Christabel Nawanga (26), due for release, shared, “I have learnt that in love *usapinde nemwoyo* (don't invest your whole heart)... it opened my eyes that I can be better than before prison life.”
A Briton, Amara Taylor (21), serving nine years for dealing marijuana, said the movie gave her hope. “At times you cry, think that this is the end... but this movie watered my soul... I now have hope.”
Nyasha Kaseke (25), sentenced for drug dealing, stated: “I have learnt patience, that prison life is temporary but need to be utilised by planning for better upon release.” Gamuchirai Gwasira (22) added, “Mai Tt *mandibatsira, mundikumbirirewo ruregerero kuvabereki vangu nenyaya yema drugs* (Mai TT has helped me, please ask my parents for forgiveness on my behalf).”
The Living Testimony of a Survivor
Mai TT’s return to Chikurubi, not as an inmate but as a successful filmmaker, was the ultimate full-circle moment. She reminded them: “This is where I was writing my stories, telling my fellow inmates that one day I will share my story on big screens... I didn’t give up.”
“They must not be limiting themselves because they are locked up for a Prison sentence—it must come to pass,” said Mai TT.
Reigning Miss World Zimbabwe, Courtney Tadiwanashe Jongwe, hailed Mai TT for bringing a living testimony to the inmates. “This is a living testimony brought by Mai Tt. Her movie is saturated with teachings that proved worthy to those who have lost hope.” The event concluded with Mai TT hugging inmates and sharing food, with entertainment from several musicians.
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