Advertising media agency Tatu said its survival for the past 20 years was anchored on the power of resilience, innovation, and transformation.
The company formed in 2004 boasts of several stock listed companies as its clients.
The company's chairperson Nqobile Magwizi said the company had to constantly adapt for its survival when it stepped into a field dominated by long-established advertising agencies, staking its claim in the market through a unique combination of innovative human capital and leadership grounded in strong cultural principles.
Magwizi, whose extensive experience spans business consultancy, strategic partnerships, and marketing, attributed the company’s achievements to a steadfast commitment to resilience, creativity, relationships, and transformation.
“As we reflect on our 20-year journey, the rewards of showing up become abundantly clear,” Magwizi said, highlighting that success for Tatu was not achieved easily.
“They didn’t come easily, but they came because we had faith and stayed the course.”
Recalling the challenges and triumphs of the past two decades, he spoke about how Tatu’s journey has been marked by a commitment to innovation.
Projects like Nyami Nyami, Zimbabwe’s first animated film, as well as flagship events like Miss Tourism World and the National Arts Merit Awards franchise, demonstrated Tatu’s drive to push boundaries and redefine what was possible in Zimbabwe’s advertising sector.
- Advertising agency turns 20
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Tatu’s resilience, according to Magwizi, was another key element in its success.
“Showing up wasn’t always glamorous,” he remarked.
“There were times when we spent more hours in bank queues than in boardrooms. A time when pivoting was not an option but a necessity for survival. Yet, we adapted, grew stronger, and weathered every storm.”
The company is now working with over 200 brands, employing more than 500 staff, and offering countless students a launch pad for their careers.
Tatu Managing Director Martin Matamisa expressed gratitude for the support of clients, suppliers, staff, advisors, and competitors.
“Today, we have many success stories to share, including the milestone we are gathered here to celebrate—20 years of impactful leadership,” saidMatamisa.
“We owe it to all our clients, suppliers, staff, advisors, and competitors who have made us a better version of ourselves. Let us continue to flourish together.”
Tatu’s story began on October 5, 2004, when Carl Joshua Ncube, Chido Madzivanyika, and Nqobile Magwizi took a leap of faith, founding the company with a vision inspired by the Shona word “tatu,” meaning “three
Representing both the founding trio and the three primary media channels at the time—print, television, and new media—Tatu’s journey over the past two decades has demonstrated the power of resilience, innovation, and transformation
