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between January and October.
It was sad to note that the year was largely characterised by mourning as the nation was left in a state of shock after being robbed of its talented song masters.
Of the 17 artistes that died this year, 11 of them included the unforgettable Tongai Moyo, Cephas Mashakada, percussionist Adam Chisvo, Takunda Mafika, Gibson Khumbulani, who was a member of the Vabati VaJehovha and upcoming and promising urban groover Amelia David.
The nation also paid its last respects to Siphosenkosi Mkhuhlani aka TBA, Chaka Khumulani of Gakamoto Jumbo Stars and businessman-cum- music promoter, James “Jimmy Jimalo” Chiyangwa, who died on July 25, after a long battle with cancer.
A few weeks before he died, the affable Jimalo – in an interview with this paper – revealed that he was making plans to scale down on his business operations, so that he could concentrate on his health.
Unbeknown to him, God had other plans.
As has become the norm in the showbiz industry, his funeral was a flamboyant and flashy affair that was attended by some of Zimbabwe’s top personalities and a host of other socialites.
Chiyangwa, who was adoringly called “Jimmy Jimalo” or “Futumuka Fulangenge”, was a philathropist and a socialite who meant a lot to many people across the social strata, hence the celebratory funeral that was held in his honour.
Moyo, known to his legion of fans as “Dhewa”, lost his battle with Non-Hodgins cancer, when he died on October 15 at St Anne’s Hospital.
People from all walks of life, including fellow musicians, music promoters, top Government officials, friends and politicians from different affiliations were shocked by Dhewa’s death, describing his passing on as a big blow to the nation.
To those who knew him well, the flamboyant musician was a hardworking but humble musician, who strove for perfection.
Events on this year’s arts calendar are aptly captured in the late Simon Chimbetu’s song – “Shura” – from his African Panorama Chapter 2, where he bemoaned the death several prominent musicians.
Online Reporter