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and music promoter James Chiyangwa who died of cancer on Saturday.

Chiyangwa, a socialite and philanthropist who meant a lot of things to many people in his community will be buried at his Zvimba rural home tomorrow. He was known as a businessman whose empire included a fleet of buses as well as a staunch supporter of Zimbabwean music.

EARLIER REPORT

• Businessman ‘Jimmy Jimalo’ dies

On Sunday, mourners had a great time celebrating his life through music and dance. Suluman Chimbetu, The Best of All Musica and a host of other musicians performed at the funeral wake. But behind the spectacle and high octane gig people never forgot that they were mourning.

Chiyangwa adoringly called Jimmy Jimalo or Futumuka Fulangenge (relax and enjoy) played a pivotal role not only in his family but also the community at large. Speaking on the sidelines of the church service his sister Vimbikai Chiyangwa described him as a man of the people.

“He loved being around with people and he helped a lot of people in different ways. We will sadly miss him.
“We would have wanted him to live longer but I guess it was God’s time,” she said.

Regis Munenzwa, Jimalo’s close confidante, was yesterday still in shock and could not express his pain over the death of his friend.
“I was hoping that he would fully recover so that we could continue doing business as usual. Most people used to see us together but now that he’s gone I don’t know what to do without him.

“His void is irreplaceable and I will never forget him and where ever he is I hope he rests in eternal peace,” Munenzwa said.
Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu narrated Jimalo’s life from his teens. Minister Shamu noted Jimalo’s contribution in the community and how he was such a joy to work with. Jimalo’s brother

Philip said his brother was also a friend to him and he admired him a lot for his tolerance.
He said Jimalo was always there for him and would guide him as he went about his business.