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| Julius Munyaradzi Shamu |
Who is Julius Munyaradzi Shamu?
Julius Munyaradzi Shamu is a proud husband, father, friend, brother, soccer coach, business associate, Director, CEO and Founder of Shamstone Production & Entertainment based in Cape Town.
What was the inspiration behind the formation of the company?
The inspiration behind Shamstone Productions was for the need to unite our fellow Zimbabwean compatriots in the diaspora by offering quality entertainment, festivals, gatherings and special events. In 2006 we formed a non-profit organisation called the Zimforum with the likes of Dr David Katerere and Dr Havana Chikoto, whose sole mandate was for social gatherings. Unfortunately the Zimforum did not survive for long.
Cape Shooters?
In 2009, we formed a soccer team called Cape Shooters, whose sole mandate was for the development of sport within our Zimbabwe Cape Town community. As founder and head coach, I have managed to sustain the team and we have done well in the league that we participate in. Although we haven’t won any medals yet we have managed to reach semi-finals of the competition. Our team has grown from strength to strength and have 40 registered players.
Interesting...
The love of music and bringing people together for networking inspired me to start my company Shamstone Production & Entertainment (Pty Ltd) with the aim of offering the upcoming artists a platform to showcase their talent. It is from this background that I started organising events. As an entrepreneur I did not only want to concentrate on music only but diversifying into special events.
My first event was the Miss Zimbabwe Cape Town 2013. The event was successful with a turnout of about 220 guests. It was also aired on Cape Town TV. The event also featured upcoming Zimbabwe artists and DJs based in Cape Town. I also hosted the Couple’s Valentine’s Party Feb 2013, Zim@34 Family Day Independence Celebrations April 2013, and Women’s Day August 2013.
Which of the events that you have done so far are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the Miss Zimbabwe Cape Town 2013, Zim@34 Family Day Celebrations and Women’s Day Celebrations and this is because it was the first time these events were held in Cape Town and they were instant hit with the fans and audience. The support was just overwhelming.
The challenges that I have faced was lack of sponsors and having to use my own resources to put an event together is quite challenging, but the responses I get from people and my own inner drive just keeps me going. I have a family structure and friends that back me up, people that believe and support me no matter what and that keep me motivated and moving.
What's your ultimate dream?
My ultimate dream is to see my company grow into a household name and recognised not only in Southern Africa but in the world. To see my company as a company that supports upcoming artists and help them grow into the music industry. To help me achieve that it is with this that I joined as association called Performing Arts Networking of South Africa, a platform for upcoming artists.
Apart from running my own business, I created a Facebook page called Zimbabwe Professionals in Cape Town. This Facebook page is where you find Zimbabweans in Cape Town who are running their own businesses who uses the page to advertise their businesses such as Plumbers, Electricians, Builders, private Teachers, Shuttle drivers etc. I also use the Facebook page to advertise for jobs that are available within the community. I am basically an advocate for businesses run by the Zimbabweans in Cape Town.
What's the next big thing on the cards at Shamstone Production?
The next big event on the cards is the Cape Town Zimbabwe Excellence Awards to be held on the 04th of April 2015. The award ceremony seeks to recognize and acknowledge the Zimbabweans in Cape Town whom through various initiatives such as sports, media, academic, businesses and entertainment have excelled in making a positive contribution to the Development of Cape Town.
By the end of November 2014 we will be proud to introduce our new project: We launching the new clothing line called iMPress. This clothing line is for the distinguished gentleman, the formal wear which can be worn with either a tie of with no tie.
That's diversity! Any parting words?
I am very much privileged to have the support of my beloved wife, friends, and business associates who complements, understands and support my vision. I am also grateful to my team for their support and not forgetting my fans and followers. All the people that I have mentioned inspire me to keep going and never give up and most important not to listen to the sceptic and the critics but to focus on my goals.
Thank you so much for your time Julius. We wish you all the best with your business and once again, we're extremely proud of the good work you're doing.
For more visit:
shamstoneproduction.com
