Award-winning actress Patience Musa, popularly known as Amai Jilimba, gave a spectacular welcome to Shihan Wilfred Mashaya yesterday at the Robert Mugabe International Airport upon his return from Montenegro, where he received a prestigious Master of the Year Award at the Humanitarian Martial Arts Festival and Seminar.
By Dickson Bandera
Dressed in customized karate gear and adorned with multiple “black belts”, “medals” and a Zimbabwe flag colours branded scarf, Amai Jilimba caused a stir at the airport as she staged a well-polished welcome skit to the returning world champion.”
This prestigious award recognized Wilfred Mashaya’s exceptional contribution to the world of martial arts, particularly his mastery of the traditional Okinawan art of Kobudo. Mashaya progressed from a junior student (Kohai) to a senior student (Sempai), then to a teacher (Sensei), and finally to a master (Shihan), the rank that he holds with a 5th Dan Black Belt.
He is also a practitioner of Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Kyokushin Karate & Self Defense and has banged many international awards.
As soon as Shihan Mashaya appeared at the arrivals section, Amai Jilimba sprang towards him, shouting on top of her voice to him and the team that escorted him;
Ndini Ndine Chimuti. Haungaende kwese kwese ini ndichisara,” translated, “I am the Champion, You can’t tour the world alone while I don’t go anywhere.”
In a lighthearted moment, Amai Jilimba who had some ordinary waist black belts joked, “I have my black belts, all five of them, I can bring more! This time I’m the one going out. I’m going to Germany,” she challenged the Shihan.
She then joined the martial artists who had come to welcome their master on their demonstrations as she paid tribute to Mashaya who is the brains behind the ZimNinja Academy, a martial arts academy that trains in Weapons and Unarmed Defence skills to people of all ages.
When asked about why she had to do a welcome skit, the veteran actress emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals like Shihan Mashaya, who are promoting Zimbabwe through their talents.
He is putting Zimbabwe on the map, and many will benefit from his legacy as they build upon the foundation he has laid. These are the people who deserve support because they are painting a good name for Zimbabwe.”
Shihan Mashaya expressed his gratitude to Zimbabwe for the warm welcome and support. He also thanked Amai Jilimba for committing to support him.
Your presence here is an honour for me to have a veteran like you coming to support me. I am humbled,” said the soft spoken Zimbabwe Karate Union Vice President.”
Mashaya has set his sights on the ICO World Championships in Germany next month, where he will lead a team of 20 athletes.
The welcoming ceremony also featured Mashaya’s family members, members of the ZimNinja Academy and police officers from Mkushi Academy (formerly Morris Training Depot) who performed impressive drills to the delight of the crowd.
Chief Superintendent Raymond Chiteka, who is also a world class martial artist himself, headed the police delegation that also had Superintendent Edmund Madzonganyika, Superintendent Jaricha, Superintendent Abel Chimukoko, Inspector Cleopas Ndlovu, Assistant Inspectors Paddy Ndlovu, Vonai Zirima, Borshoff, Shylock Nevanji, ZRP Mukushi Academy Fitness Coach Sergeant Simbarashe Nyamukondiwa, Sergeant Murwira, Constable Vincent Fambira, members of the martial arts family and police recruits from Mkushi Academy.
Amai Jilimba is presently producing disruptive online content through her company, Amai Jilimba Production, which is committed to fostering the growth of young actors and providing a platform for emerging talent.
Her vision is to establish a state-of-the-art arts center in Zimbabwe, equipped with cutting-edge resources to facilitate high-quality productions and empowerment of the next generation of artists.
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