admin
at the late businessman and music promoter James Chiyangwa’s funeral wake on Sunday night.
The sombre mood that normally characterises every other funeral disappeared as mourners, musicians and relatives took to the dance floor to party and celebrate the life of Chiyangwa, affectionately known as “Jimmy Jimalo”, at his Highfield home.
Even Jimalo’s grieving wife, Agnes, felt overwhelmed after the funeral wake was turned into a gala by scores of mourners who rocked and swayed to the music.
It was not a typical Zimbabwean funeral in that for the first time, mourners shook their sorrows and tears through a live band.
After being fed, the mourners were treated to music and drink, while live bands played in the backyard where food was served.
At the front of the house there was a bonfire and tent for the VIPs where Jimalo’s brother Philip and other notables like Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo, politician and businessman Paddy Zhanda among others chatted.
But it was in the backyard where everything went haywire as people from all walks of life trickled in to mourn Jimalo, the socialite and philanthropist.
The emcee had a torrid time whenever he stopped the music, as mourners wanted to enjoy themselves.
“Jimalo was a man of the people and he loved his music. So for us to remember him, let’s party until dawn,” the emcee said much to the delight of the mourners.
Later, the music continued with the Best of All Musica, a rhumba group nurtured by Jimalo, entertaining mourners while Suluman Chimbetu was also billed to perform at the funeral.
The merry mood continued until the early late hours of the morning yesterday and what a gig it was.
Regis Munenzwa, a long time business ally and friend to Jimalo, narrated the last moments he shared with Jimalo.
“He called and told me that he was in pain and that he wanted to rest. When I rushed to West End Hospital he couldn’t speak but when he saw me we spoke.
“He listed a couple of things that he wanted me to do for him and one of them was that people should celebrate his life and that Sulu should play at his funeral. He also asked me to buy his casket but in case I failed he wanted his cousin to do it,” Munenzwa said.
According to Munenzwa, they shared the same vision of doing well in business.
“Of course, we ate and drank together but one thing we never forgot was how to run our businesses well. I helped Jimalo start his transport business and that’s what we did together,” he said.
Jimalo is survived by his wife Agnes and six children. He will be buried at his rural home in Zvimba tomorrow.
Online Reporter