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Sydney Kawadza recently in Cape Town, South Africa—
Local musicians have a penchant to enchant and this has seen their allure reach beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. With South Africa providing a second home for many Zimbabweans, local artistes have also found an appreciative market in that country. A number of South Africa-based promoters have ensured that the Zimbabweans across the Limpopo River do not miss home.
Zimbabweans have made a name for being hard workers but they also need to take some time off their busy schedules for an outing and re-live the good times back home.
In comes Cape Town-based entrepreneur and promoter James MacAdams who has taken the Mother City by storm.
Not only has the burly businessman made a name in the famous Long Street, providing Zimbabweans with the delicatessen and entertainment, Jimmy Jimalo, as he is affectionately known, has moved a step further to stamp the Zimbabwean name in the cosmopolitan city.
MacAdams believes more is still to come and he is ready to take his brand beyond the continent. Growing up in Kwekwe, life’s trials and tribulations have pushed Jimmy Jimalo to work hard to prosper.
“My very first job was as a caddie, a 10-year-old lugging big bags around Kwekwe Golf Course. I met a lot of different people, good and bad, learnt a lot during this period of my childhood.
“This experience cultivated my interest in business. Today I’m literally living out some of my dreams and it is unreal and incredible.
“I cannot wait for the future to unfold and to see what my Heavenly Father has in store for us.
“As for now we are a dedicated, passionate team ready to roll up our sleeves and get work done.”
The famous Jimmy Jimalo Bar and Grill in Long Street, Cape Town was established in 2012.
“We provide a true Zimbabwean cuisine. We provide a great experience through traditional food, beverage and music. The response has been overwhelming.
“Our traffic has been derived from ordinary South African-based Zimbabweans who miss home, foreign nationals from all over Africa who relate to the experience, tourists and locals alike appreciating the culture.
“We constantly host prominent figures, mainly those working in government institutions who share our quest for a true African experience,” MacAdams said in a recent interview at his base in Cape Town.
The joint has hosted artistes such as Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Dino Mudondo, Sir Bede, King Labash, Freeman, Shinsoman, Lady Squanda, Tocky Vibes, Soul Jah Love, Bounty Lisa, Jah Prayzah, Killer T, Princo Spice, Seh Calaz, Judgement Yard, Dj Stavo, Simba Saini, Guspy Warrior and Bev.
Preparations are at an advanced stage for the opening of the newly established Jimmy Jimalo Sports Cafe this month.
“I’m truly passionate about entertainment, my deepest heartfelt desire is to promote and uplift upcoming artistes throughout the continent especially those from the region,” he said.
“As an African transcending race, culture and religion I believe we are unique, humble, hardworking and determined people. While we have our own challenges, we have a lot to be grateful about and take great pride in our continent.”
Jimmy Jimalo believes the opening of the Jimmy Jimalo Sports Café is a precursor to a brighter future.
“The future sees our Jimmy Jimalo Group brand expanding into a great empire. We are also venturing into other fields of business that complement what we are already doing.
“We are in the final stage of launching our Jimmy Jimalo Vodka, Jimmy Jimalo Chenin Blanc (Dry White Wine) and Jimmy Jimalo Merlot/Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Red Wine).”
Also in the pipeline are the Jimmy Jimalo Tours and Travel and the Jimmy Jimalo Express Cargo Service.
Online Reporter