Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
SIX years after the death of Bulawayo Hip Hop star Mgcini “Cal_Vin” Nhliziyo, the pain of losing him remains raw, compounded by a case that is yet to bring his family the answers they desperately seek.
His mother, Siniliwe Luphahla, says she has given up hope that the person responsible will ever be brought to book.
Cal_Vin, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in Zim Hip Hop, died on October 25, 2020, after being struck and run over by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in Bulawayo.
According to eyewitness and family accounts, a white vehicle, reportedly a Mazda Familia without number plates, struck the rapper. He allegedly jumped onto the bonnet, but the driver continued moving before braking abruptly, throwing him off and subsequently running him over.
He was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he died from his injuries. The driver responsible has remained unidentified.
For Luphahla, the years since her son’s death have been marked by grief and the frustrating search for answers. She said repeated attempts to obtain updates from the police had yielded little encouragement, forcing her to leave the matter in God’s hands.
“I have since given up on following up on my son’s case. What pains me is that every time I seek an update, the answer is the same: ‘We will look into the case.
“I have now put my faith in God and pray every day for justice. Even if the case is solved in 10 years or whenever, all I want is for justice to prevail so that I can find closure,” she said.
While his mother continues to grapple with the loss, Cal_Vin’s friends and fellow artistes are also demanding answers, insisting that his death should not become another unresolved case.
As they renew calls for justice, October has also become a month for celebrating the rapper’s life and the mark he left on Bulawayo’s music scene. For comedian Ntando Van Moyo, who shared a close friendship with the Banjalo Abantu hitmaker, Cal_Vin’s death marked a turning point for local Hip Hop, leaving a void that is yet to be filled.
He believes the rapper’s understanding of the music industry, coupled with his willingness to embrace controversy, made him a formidable figure whose influence extended beyond Bulawayo.
“It has been six years since Cal_Vin died, and I can honestly say Bulawayo Hip Hop was buried with him. He was the last person to give us a national anthem in the genre, with Z’khuphan, a hit that had the whole of Zimbabwe singing.
“I have seen people trying to revive Hip Hop, while some aspiring rappers have tried to ride on Cal_Vin’s wave, but none has reached his standard. He raised the bar so high that he remains unmatched. It could take years, if not decades, for Bulawayo to produce a rapper like him,” said Van Moyo.
Beyond the music, Van Moyo remembers a man who celebrated every victory, no matter how small, and used his achievements to inspire those around him.
He recalled how Cal_Vin once drove to his house after buying his first car, simply to share the moment with him.
“One thing I loved about Mgcini was that he was a larger-than-life character who celebrated even the smallest wins. When he bought his first car, he drove to my house just to tell me, ‘Angilalutho’.
Those words were not meant to belittle me. It was a brother encouraging me to do better in life.
“When I remember all these memories, it hurts me that the case remains unresolved. That night, I saw him while we were watching football at the same spot. That was the last time I saw him. I still have faith in the local police and believe they can deliver justice so that we can all find closure.
“We were robbed of a great person. If it means the police must offer a reward for information that could lead to the case being solved, then so be it. All we want is closure so that we can move on with our lives,” he said.
Another Hip Hop artiste, Floppy X, who collaborated with Cal_Vin on several projects, remembers a rapper who was unapologetically himself, confident in his abilities and determined to set his own standards.
Looking back, he believes Cal_Vin’s presence would have continued to inspire those around him, both musically and personally.
“When I look back at the memories we shared, I honestly believe life would have been better with him around. He had a great personality and he gave us the musical spirit to work hard and chase after him as the leader of the game. Life is boring without Vin.
“What I remember most about him is how he handled things. He never let the industry dictate what he should do or when he should do it. When Cal_Vin said no to something, he meant it.
“I remember he refused to perform at Skyz Metro FM’s Umcimbi Wabantu when local artistes were underpaid. He demanded his fair fee and stood his ground until he got the money he wanted. He knew his worth,” said Floppy X.
For Floppy X, the unresolved case is a painful reminder that the circumstances surrounding the rapper’s death remain unanswered. He urged the police to revisit the investigation, arguing that the incident reportedly occurred in the presence of several witnesses.
“My hope and prayer is that the police revisit the case because there could still be leads that may result in the arrest of the person responsible for his death,” he said.
Comedian Miss Dee said the rapper’s loss is not confined to memories. She said passing the spot where Cal_Vin was killed remains an emotionally difficult experience, bringing back memories of the time they spent together in studios, at weekend social football gatherings and at Umahlekisa comedy events.
She described the late rapper as a sociable person who valued companionship and was quick to forgive those who wronged him.
“I used to call him my twin because we spent so much time together. There was very little about Cal_Vin that I did not know, from where he was to what he intended to do. I knew almost all his moves, so I can say we lived like one.
“Cal_Vin loved being around people, which is why he enjoyed going out. Even after his death, I believe he refused to be alone. We also lost Clive Chigubhu and Babongile Sikhonjwa after him. It is almost as if he called them to heaven and they answered. No one could separate these three, and it is painful that we have been robbed of such loving people,” she said.
