Loveness “Mujibha” Mainato Champions Creatives with Albinism in Zimbabwe
Loveness “Mujibha” Mainato, founder of the Albino Charity Association of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ), is championing the talent of creatives with albinism despite the challenges they face. Her organisation supports over 10 000 individuals living with albinism nationwide, helping them access opportunities in arts, academics, and other creative fields. Mainato stresses that without proper support, this talent risks going unfulfilled, as societal stigma continues to affect the albino community. She highlighted the achievements of those excelling in modelling, music, storytelling, and academics, while calling for greater recognition and support. Mainato warned that persistent myths and negative perceptions in some communities still threaten the well-being of people with albinism, underlining the urgency of advocacy and inclusion.
Mainato’s personal experiences have shaped her commitment to the cause. After being abandoned by her former husband in 2008 following the birth of two children with albinism, she turned her focus to supporting children with the condition. She shared that she now cares for 11 children at her Unit B home in Chitungwiza, some of whom are part of her musical group, The Shooting Stars Band, where she trains them in music and performance. Her work with these children integrates them into campaigns and performances, ensuring they gain exposure and develop their skills. Mainato sees her role as a calling, one that allows her to uplift the albino community while addressing marginalisation and neglect.
Musically, Mainato is a standout female artist in sungura, a genre dominated by men. Since switching from gospel to sungura in 2011, she has maintained a consistent presence, and she actively involves children with albinism in her musical projects. She collaborates with other female sungura artists, including Rorirani Makawa, Patricia “Tete Pipilo” Makusha, and Maidei Njirayambodza, contributing to a slowly growing representation of women in the genre. Her focus on mentoring young albino creatives through music and performances reflects her commitment to nurturing talent and creating platforms where they can shine.
Despite a difficult year marked by the loss of her 24-year-old daughter, Mainato has continued to advance her musical career and advocacy work. She released two singles in 2025, “Vene Vayo” and “Ndodiniwo,” which feature artists with albinism and aim to celebrate Zimbabwean culture and inclusion. “Vene Vayo” is dedicated to the President for championing development that leaves no one behind, while “Ndodiniwo” highlights the beauty of Zimbabwean girls, including models with albinism. Mainato also praised national pageants for including albino models, describing their participation as a major step toward visibility and acceptance.
Mainato remains committed to empowering creatives with albinism and ensuring their talents are recognised. She emphasises the importance of sustained support, training, and inclusion to help them thrive in music, modelling, academics, and other fields. Through ALCOZ, mentorship, and her musical projects, she continues to provide opportunities and visibility for individuals often marginalised by society. Her work demonstrates the potential of advocacy, talent development, and representation in challenging stereotypes and creating a more inclusive Zimbabwe.
