Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
For nearly four decades, camera lights, scripting, and acting have been the foundation of her career. Talented actress Amai Jilimba (pictured)began her journey in Marondera, launching her career in 1985.
After starring in several Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) productions, including “Mawoko Matema,” “Hupenyu Mutoro,” “Checkmate,” “Mafuro Manyora,” and “Gehena Harina Moyo,” she needs no introduction.
She has become widely known by the name “Amai Jilimba,” a moniker derived from her role in “Mawoko Matema” drama series. Renowned for her versatility, she excels in complex, cunning and no-nonsense roles across various productions.
However, in real life, she is simply an easygoing woman.
Born Patience Musafare (age withheld), Amai Jilimba is often referred to as Patience Musa, but she humorously claims to have three other surnames – Mapfumo, Wadyehwata, and Zimbeva.
Like many women of her generation, Amai Jilimba keeps her age a secret.
“I have dementia; I sometimes forget my age,” joked the energetic actress in an interview with The Herald Arts.
“What you should know is that I started this whole journey in 1985, and I have featured in numerous productions. ZBC used to be our cash cow back in the day, and that is the life we have always known until things changed recently. I am also a legend who deserves to be counted among the top television personalities of my generation.”
Taking us down memory lane, Amai Jilimba first conceded that 2024 was a difficult year for her, although she managed to remain afloat.
“It was not easy for me because I have kids to look after at the moment, which means I had to work hard and bring food to the table.
“I have three girls of my own and others that I adopted. It meant that I had to be a multi-tasking woman in 2024 because that has always been my lifestyle since.”
Known for taking daring yet engaging roles in most productions, which have earned her enemies in real life, Amai Jilimba proudly shared her journey into acting.
“Like I said earlier, I was just born an actress from childhood. It wasn’t until 1985 that I became a professional actress after finishing school at Monte Casino Girls High in Manicaland.
“Over the years, I have worked with big names like Stephen Chigorimbo, Sithembeni Makawa, Dorothy Chidzawo, and Ejike Asiegbu from Nollywood in the movie ‘The Zimbabwe I Know,’ among other top producers. For the record, I am also a director-producer, considering all the years I have been in this game,” she stressed.
The actress, who is set to celebrate her undisclosed birthday on January 29, narrated how she spends her day in Highfield, Harare.
“Like I indicated earlier, I am a hardworking woman who did not put all her eggs in one basket. I am an actress first, and then I am also a herbalist who assists people. I have been a cross-border trader for years, while my other job involves dealing with scrap metal with my team.”
Asked how she balances her busy and demanding schedule, she responded:
“It’s not easy being a multi-tasking personality, but I have devised ways of managing my schedule. I always allocate time for every task. For instance, we normally do most of the shootings on Sundays after church since we finish early at the Roman Catholic Church. I then allocate time to make follow-ups on orders as well as monitoring my team that I work with in the scrap metal business,” she said.
As a socialite in the Highfield community, Amai Jilimba, a mother of three, runs mentorship programmes on drug and substance abuse. “I am also a volunteer who is helping young people in my area to fight the danger (drug and substance abuse) that has destroyed our communities,” she stated.
With the winds of change sweeping across the showbiz landscape due to the technological revolution, Amai Jilimba has urged the old school to move with the times.
“I have realised that I still have a lot to offer to the showbiz scene because I create content every day.
“As a result, my kids advised me to start my social media page under Amai Jilimba Productions, where we are sharing content. I thoroughly enjoy this work because I am now realising something,” she said.
The shrewd actress emphasised the need for socialites to desist from hate language and obscenities.
“I have noted that some people believe controversy or unsavoury posts sell more, which is not true. Although some have gained traction by sharing unpleasant content, we can’t do that considering we are elders in the game. We have to lead by example and show the way.”
She also warned upcoming content creators, especially in the film and television sector to avoid workplace romance.
“Dating producers or directors during productions of films or movies is a big no. It has killed many careers, and I have always been against that practice.”
But who is Amai Jilimba?
The actress was born in Marondera under Chief Nenguwo’s area. She was born into a family of 11, being the seventh child.
As a young girl, she enrolled at Manyaira Primary School several decades ago. Afterwards, she found a place for her secondary education at Monte Casino, but she didn’t perform well during her first Ordinary Level sitting.
An actress, herbalist, cross-border trader, and scrap metal dealer, Amai Jilimba’s only public appeal is for the fame she has garnered to translate into real favourable fortunes.
