Jimmy Jimalo busy manufacturing dreams

Jimmy Jimalo busy manufacturing dreams

By Silence Charumbira

Showbiz Editor

For a young man who grew up in the Midlands town of Kwekwe, Cape Town based Jimmy Jimalo could easily pass for just another ambitious Zimbabwean.

Yet even if one were to blame luck for his success in the various sectors where he has his footprint, it is his imaginary ‘dreams factory’ that is astounding.

He has since 2012 been running Jimmy Jimalo Bar and Grill, an entity that has played host to every Zimbabwean yearning for a home experience while in the port city.

Jimmy Jimalo still loves golf having started off as a caddie in Kwekwe in 1985

The venue has hosted among others, government delegates foreign nationals seeking an authentic African taste and cuisine and of course the home sick lot.

“At this establishment we provide a true Zimbabwean and African cuisine. A great experience through traditional food, beverage and music. Over the past few years 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,” said Jimalo.

“We constantly host prominent figures mainly those working in government institutions who share our quest for a true African experience. We’ve in the past hosted an endless list of artistes like 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 among many others,

“As a matter of fact I could count a handful that have not graced us. This opportunity has significantly elevated our brand to a great level in entertainment. I believe it’s more of a relationship that we’ve created as we engage in strengthening brand Zimbabwe, Africa. I’m truly passionate about entertainment, my deepest heartfelt desire is to promote and uplift upcoming artists throughout the continent especially those from the region.”

Jimmy Jimalo hosts several government delegates in Cape Town for authentic African and Zimbabwean Cuisine

At one time a caddie at Kwekwe Golf Course at 10, Jimalo is literally living some of the dreams that have been etched in his mind since he was a 10 year old back in the mining town.

That he has in the last 20 years travelled and worked in a number of countries among them the USA and South Africa has helped him shape more dreams.

Among the projects in the pipeline are a tour services expected in May 2017 and the new Copacabana Café scheduled to open later this month.

“The future sees our Jimmy Jimalo Group brand expanding into a great empire. The opening of our new establishment Copacabana Cafe is a step in that direction. We are also venturing into other fields of business that compliment what we are already doing. As a matter of fact we’re 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),” said JImalo.

Jimmy jimalo has also hosted international artistes and tourists

“Our long- awaited Jimmy Jimalo Tours and Travel business project will start operating in May 2017. This project will provide long-distance time-efficient bus services to all major cities within the southern region. With our headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe the company will operate its service covering the entire Southern African region. There will also shuttle/drop off service that will run off the main express buses to allow passengers hassle-free travel to their neighbourhood.

“Jimmy Jimalo Express Cargo Service will run concurrently with the tour and travels and will be set up adjacent to all terminals and function 24 hours a day, providing safe and quick dispatch and delivery of cargo consignments. The cargo volume has over the years been increasing more rapidly than the expansions of the bus passenger operations. Therefore we find it conducive to extend our services in that part of the business.”

Jimalo said as an entrepreneur he is dedicated and passionate about customer service and his dreams seem to direct him into aviation business “soon”.

Jimmy Jimalo has dedicated staff

“Air Cargo and passenger transport business is fascinating. My aim is to reach the skies one day, or hopefully soon, with establishing Jimmy Jimalo Airlines. This will be an aviation company one that will be synonymous with creativity and innovation. I hope to see you soon at Jimmy’s,” he said.

Born James MacAdam on March 28, 1975, Jimalo is married with two children and is the chief executive officer of Jimmy Jimalo Group and holds a Diploma in Medical Administration and another in Hospitality Management.

A Travel and Tour Service is also in the pipeline

He is also a lower handicap golfer and has over 20 years’ experience managing several upmarket restaurants, bars and hotels in the USA and South Africa.