Zimpapers Logo

who was affectionately known as Jimmy Jimalo or Futumuka Fulangenge succumbed to cancer.
Hundreds of mourners from all walks of life thronged Chiyangwa Village to pay their last respects to Jimalo, whose charisma and character will be sadly missed.

The burial marked the end of a three-day session of celebrating his life.
The whole village was momentarily turned into a car show with some of the mourners arriving in top-of-the range Mercedes Benz, Jeeps, BMWs and SUVs.
The homestead played host to some of the fashion conscious mourners who came dressed in all black.

ALSO READ…

• Jimalo’s final bling
  
• SEE JIMALO’S FUNERAL IN PICTURES HERE
  

It had been the late Jimalo’s wish to have Suluman, son to the late Simon “Choppa” Chimbetu, perform at his funeral.

It was a befitting send-off as the who is who of society mixed and mingled with the villagers who had not seen such a spectacle in years.
In his graveside speech Elisha Magaya, Jimalo’s cousin, described the late socialite as a man of the people. “He helped a lot of people including musicians whom he provided with a venue and instruments. Besides that Jimalo was kind hearted; it didn’t matter who or where you came from, he just loved to assist people,” he said.

Mtukudzi who is also a relative of the Chiyangwas, praised Jimalo for his selflessness. He said Jimalo was a team player who did not wait to be told what to do but would help others.

“When I lost my son I was devastated. Although many people came to the funeral, I couldn’t recognise their faces. It was only after some days that I realised Jimalo had provided transport for the mourners.
“To me what Jimalo gave was not buses but he showed me love,” Mtukudzi said before breaking into song ‘Wabarira Vamwe’ off his album, Rudaviro. Regis Munenzwa, Jimalo’s close friend, described him as a hardworking person.

“We ate and drank together. We used to do things together and on the day that he died I could see that he was in pain but he insisted that he wanted to speak to me.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t have the energy to do it. It appeared that Jimmy knew he was about to die,” Munenzwa said before breaking down.

He, however, said he was happy that he managed to fulfill all that Jimalo had wanted his funeral to be. Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu described Jimalo as a selfless businessman and that Zimbabwe needed more people of Jimalo’s stature.

“He was dedicated to the development of his country and the people. As a music promoter Jimalo helped many groups with instruments and he made sure musicians were not looked down upon. Just look at Sulu, Zakaria and we won’t mention Tuku,” he said.

Minister Shamu also took time to condemn music pirates describing them as “vampires”.
“Piracy is like blood suckling vampires . . . I see pirates as thieves and it’s about time that we through Parliament enact laws that will give stiffer penalties like those for stock theft,” he said.

Mr Phillip Chiyangwa said his young brother used to shoulder all his burdens.
“When I had a business which I didn’t like I would give it to Jimalo. Even when I had money which I didn’t want I would also give it to him,” he said to wild applause.

He, however, urged Government to enact laws that protect indigenous business people. He thanked everyone for the support during their bereavement.
The star-studded funeral was attended by Registrar General Tobaiwa Mudede, veteran nationalist Cde Nathan Shamuyarira, Mhondoro Ngezi legislator Bright Matonga, businessman Esau Mupfumi and Affirmative Action Group president Supa Mandiwanzira, among others.

Musicians Nicholas Zakaria, First Farai, Tryson and Allan Chimbetu and Tongai Moyo as well as music promoters Barbara Chikosi, Josh Hozheri, Taka Mashonganyika, Victor Chiraga and Blessing Jeke were also there.