Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
REVERED actress Patricia “Mai Jilimba” Musafare firmly believes that local comedians and filmmakers urgently need training workshops and sponsorship to unlock their full potential.
With 40 years in the industry, she argues that the lack of training in grooming and etiquette has been the biggest setback in the sector. She made this call at the burial of comedian Charles “Marabha” Mupalume at Zinyengere Cemetery in Epworth, Harare, on Monday.
Mupalume faced the possibility of a pauper’s burial had it not been for the intervention of Sunrest Funeral Parlour, which covered all expenses.
“We are relieved that he was finally laid to rest, but much needs to be done regarding workshops and support for us,” she emphasised.
“As actors and filmmakers, we must actively lobby national arts regulatory associations for assistance in providing workshops that empower us.
“We need this training as soon as yesterday, especially in areas like financial literacy, social media, grooming and etiquette.
“Of course, things are tough for everybody, especially for us creatives, but we can still do better if we are trained and organised.”
Known for her roles in various Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) productions such as “Mawoko Matema”, “Hupenyu Mutoro”, “Checkmate”, “Mafuro Manyoro” and “Gehena Harina Moyo”, Mai Jilimba remains optimistic about the future of the sector.
“We are focused and positive that we can turn the situation around. It takes a new mindset to turn the corner and be counted among the best.
“It’s never too late for creatives to forge alliances and make an impression in the creative sector,” she stated.
She urged comedians to monetise their works and generate income.
“It’s quite unfortunate that most artistes made waves when there was no social media, and during that time, piracy rendered many of them paupers.
“We have legends who, despite creating impressive pieces of art, did not realise their potential, and that is quite sad and worrisome,” she emphasised.
She noted that the turnout at celebrity burials is a clear sign of their impact.
“If you have noticed, the turnout you saw here reflects one thing about our sector — Zimbabwe has vast talent, but we don’t embrace it by supporting these creatives’ productions.”
She expressed her wish that all those who attended had financially supported Mupalume, as it could have benefited his children.
“It’s sad that when most of us die, we are portrayed as irresponsible people, yet we didn’t receive our dues for the works we created over the years,” she remarked.
Better known for her versatility, Mai Jilimba is one of the most hilarious actresses on the local front. She has worked with seasoned stars including Stephen Chigorimbo, Aaron Chiundura-Moyo, Sithembeni Makawa, Dorothy Chidzawo and Nollywood’s Ejike Asiegbu in the movie “The Zimbabwe I Know”.
She is now advocating for more female creatives to break into content creation, which has generated millionaires.
“Content creation is the in-thing nowadays if done professionally. We have many people out there thriving in content creation, and I believe we can achieve the same in Zimbabwe and change many lives.”
She also urged content creators to avoid obscenities. “You can still create desired content without resorting to obscenities or unnecessary conflict with others.
“Rivalry does not always pay in Zimbabwe; those who start it often prop up their rivals. Just mind your business and create good content without stepping on other people’s toes,” she stressed.
