Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
TOUCHING eulogies do not gloss over the dead’s shenanigans.
In fact, they aptly sum up how someone carried themselves when they were alive.
In our culture, a confidante to the bereaved family — referred to as sahwira — usually describes how the deceased behaved and conducted themselves.
These recollections often touch mourners’ hearts, especially when the departed had a heart of gold.
Could this be the case with the late Orchestra Mberikwazvo backing vocalist, dancer and choreographer Barnabas “Barna” Mandipota?
The death of the ever-bubbly, easy-going and down-to-earth Barna has touched several people.
For the first time since the turn of the century, no backing vocalist or dancer has been celebrated like Barna.
He was hailed as a committed music cadre who left a lasting impression.
His death after a short illness came as a major surprise.
Testimonies from his former paymaster Alick Macheso, early-day benefactor Cosmas “Cossy Rules” Daka, fellow group members at Nakiso Express and former colleagues at Orchestra Mberikwazvo show that Barna was a pure gem destined for the stars.
Sadly, death took him at 35.
He joins the ranks of stars who died in their 30s after making a mark on the industry, including Leonard Dembo (36), Soul Jah Love (31), System Tazvida (30), Admire Kasenga (34), Thomas Makion (33), Beatar Mangethe (32), Tatenda Pinjisi (34) and Chiwoniso Maraire (37).
Most creatives make their breakthrough in their 30s after struggling for years to carve out their careers.
Fans who followed Barna’s burial online last week — and the thousands of videos posted during the lead-up to the service — proved how great he was.
Some fans, especially those in South Africa, are yet to come to terms with the entertainer’s death.
Kadoma showed up in numbers and saluted its son.
It was clear he had left a strong mark on the local showbiz landscape.
Leading the eulogies was Chief Ngezi (Peter Pasipamire), who represented all traditional leaders from Mashonaland West province at the burial ceremony.
“Representing other chiefs from Mashonaland West province, I can safely say that as the people of Kadoma and the nation at large, we have lost one of the finest stars who was destined for the stars,” he said.
“I have known Barna as a committed singer who loved his job to the extent that he performed with distinction.
“He made sure that he was on time each time he was invited to perform and no one would stop him from doing what he loved the most.
“Losing such promising talent is painful since it was our hope that one day he would put Kadoma on the world map. Now that he is gone, we are asking for answers from God why he took him so early.”
Chief Ngezi reckons the entertainer was now part of the elite league by joining Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
“To be honest with you, we thought Barnabas had reached the Grade A class where he was supposed to be seen grooming new stars.
“It is quite unfortunate that his life has been cut short, but it was our dream to see him grooming others since he was also identified by the best.”
In his graveside speech, Macheso also spoke glowingly about the late entertainer.
“Physically you have gone, but you are still in our hearts. Barna, your race is finished — go well, we will miss you,” Macheso remarked, fighting back tears.
“You have left young kids; we will do our best to assist those you left behind. We are going to do our best and ensure that we assist the young family.”
Macheso, who was flanked by Chief Ngezi, told mourners that his late band member was punctual and never missed rehearsals.
“Having someone like Barna made my job easier because there was no single day that he was caught offside. He died after a short illness, and we never thought it would end this way.
“He was a jovial character who was getting along well with others. We are going to do our best to look after his young family,” he assured the Mandipota family.
Barna’s elder brother and family spokesperson Fastmove Mandipota hailed thousands of mourners for giving the late dancer a dignified farewell.
“We are happy with the huge turnout at the event as fans came to pay their last respects to Barnabas,” he said.
“Of course, there was a bit of a mix-up as some fans went to the other cemetery in town (Kadoma Hospital Cemetery), but we finally settled for Rimuka Cemetery to accommodate many people.
“We will always remember the good moments that he had with the people of Kadoma.”
Former band members who worked with Barna at Nakiso Band showered the late singer with praises for introducing them to the music world in style.
“He was an amazing soul, a talented singer whom we served with distinction. He taught us a lot and life will never be the same without him,” reckons a former Nakiso Express dancer, who identified himself as Mazowe.
“In my case, he was a good boss. We worked together before he joined Mark Ngwazi and later we left to join Gift Amuli,” another dancer interjected.
Daka, who was there when the former Munyaradzi High School learner in Kadoma started his career, hailed him as a role model.
“I helped him record a number of productions out of love. He used to tell me he would put Kadoma on the world map, and he did. I also used to buy uniforms for his band because I watched him grow and I am glad to have been part of his journey,” recounted Daka.
A humble yet fierce performer on stage, Barna will be cherished for years to come.
He worked with several musicians, including Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele, Mark Ngwazi, Gift Amuli and Macheso.
He is survived by four children, with the eldest aged 10, and a pregnant wife.
May his soul rest in peace!
Bongani Ndlovu