Andrew
Nicole Chiimba
SOCIAL commentator Dr Rebecca Chisamba said she is happy to have celebrated her 70th birthday on Friday in a healthy state.
Affectionately known as Mai Chisamba, through her popular “Mai Chisamba Show” on ZBC TV and widely read column “Mudzimba” in The Sunday Mail Society, the celebrated personality thanked the Almighty for the grace of life.
She, however, hastily pointed out that she does not feel old.
“I cannot describe the feeling I have at the moment. But all I know is that it is a
wonderful feeling and I can feel the grace of God.
“I don’t even feel like I am 70 years old. Only dates suggest that I am 70, but I don’t feel it,” said Mai Chisamba with her traditional chuckle in an interview with The Sunday Mail Society.
“I still walk in my heels. Nothing has changed, but, of course, sometimes you get to feel the movement is now a bit slow. I also like it that my husband still calls me Becky; I just love it!”
Mai Chisamba said nothing has changed about her life from the time she became popular.
“The good thing is I just know that I am Mai Chisamba, a wife, mother, grandmother, talk show host, queen of talk and all different kinds of titles.
“You don’t walk around carrying your age. That’s why I am saying it is all grace.”
She urged people to take good care of themselves to ensure a long life.
“I used to be shocked when someone told me that they are 70 years old.
“I would consider them to be an ancestor. However, I want to tell people that it is possible to get there (70 years).
“You need to have personal hygiene and stick to a healthy diet, though God decides much about your life,” she said.
Her family wanted the celebration party to start in the afternoon but she asked them to move the time.
“Tomorrow (Friday) is my birthday and my family wanted to start celebrating in the afternoon. But I have since asked them to allow me to attend Merticia Shamiso Rerayi’s book launch in the afternoon. After that I’m all theirs.
‘‘The girl follows my work and says she has been inspired by me in many ways and I feel I have to support her on her special day,” she said.
Rerayi was inspired by Mai Chisamba to write a book about embracing local languages.
Retirement
When asked if she is considering retirement and who was possibly going to take over from her, the decorated social commentator said: “Chisamba Productions will choose a capable candidate to take over when I retire. But I am not considering retiring yet.”
Mai Chisamba added that talent is inborn.
“Not even my daughter can be me, even if she tries hard. Talent is inborn. One may try to imitate legends but it will not work. We have seen it with sons and daughters of legends who used to grace our screens. I will not mention names but their sons and daughters have failed to fill their shoes.
“Talent is not a relay. The way I do ‘Mai Chisamba Show’ is my style and gift. No one can be like me. If someone is to take over from me, then they will run ‘Mai Chisamba’ in their own way. Some people say I think on my feet and, yes, that is true. Some of the answers that I give surprise me when I watch the show after recording,” she said.
Age, she said, was not going to slow her down.
“A talk show is different from careers like dancing. If I was a dancer, I would certainly no longer be able to rigorously lift my legs on stage. I would by now be unable to dance to Amapiano, but being queen of talk, you remain that.
“When I go into the studio or behind the microphone, I will get the job done as long as I still have my voice, wisdom and God’s permission. Jerry Springer started way before me. I started doing my show in the early 90s. My readers, viewers and listeners still follow and support me.”
Her influence is transcending borders as several countries are contacting her personal manager to book for shows.
Mai Chisamba has 34 prestigious awards under her belt and she hopes to add another one in December.
Online Reporter