Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
APRIL has long been regarded as one of the most eventful months on Zimbabwe’s calendar.
It is often a packed with countless social activities and engagements.
Yet, within Zimbabwe’s showbiz, April also carries sorrowful memories, as it is the month when the nation lost several luminaries.
The month has been particularly unkind to artistes.
One of the country’s iconic musicians, Leonard Dembo, passed away on April 9, 1966 at the age of 36.
He would have turned 66 this year.
Dembo’s son Tendai recently honoured his father with a show in Chirumhanzu.
“This month is a bit special for us because that is when my father died (April 9, 1996), while my mother celebrated her 60th birthday on April 17 — so it makes it unique. At family level, we have always done our best to honour our father and we will continue to do so. I will always remember him for all the good things he did and we cherish him for the way he paved the way for us,” said Tendai.
Another fallen icon remembered in April is Daiton Somanje, who died on April 7, 2015 at the age of 51.
The co-founder of Pengaudzoke was a gifted entertainer who touched the hearts of millions alongside his younger brother, Josphat.
His son, Faheem, who took over the leadership of Pengaudzoke after Daiton passed away, emphasised the importance of April in his life.
“We have made sure that we always remember my father during this time of the year, reflecting on the good things he taught us. For the past 11 years, we have been holding tribute shows for him, and this time around we still have something lined up here in Marondera,” said Faheem.
“I have also involved my uncle, Josphat Somanje, who has become the father figure in our family after Daiton’s death. He has been guiding us and he will be there when we hold the tribute show next weekend.
“Unfortunately, we wanted to host it on the 24th of this month, but we had no choice but to postpone it.”
The recent and untimely demise of Barnabas Mandipota — a vocalist and drummer for Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo — becomes another sad April story.
Mandipota passed away on April 5 aged 35.
Young, versatile and immensely talented, his absence is deeply felt and difficult to replace.
Promising sungura singer Tatenda Pinjisi also passed away in the month of April, at the age of 34.
For film lovers, the month also marks the passing away of yesteryear actress Memory Bususu. She died on April 12 at the age of 71.
Bususu was celebrated for her roles in major productions such as “Salon.Com”, “Pfuma Yenhaka”, “Something Nice from London” and “Cook Off”.
Her death left a void in Zimbabwe’s film industry.
The month further reminds us of Charles “Marabha” Mapalume, who died on April 19 when he was 35 years old.
Known for his effortless humour and trademark gap-toothed smile, Marabha was a natural entertainer whose presence lit up every stage.
This list of luminaries would be incomplete without mentioning Tom Blomefield, the founder of the Tengenenge Arts Community, who died on April 8, 2020 aged 95.
Each of these figures left indelible footprints on Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape.
Many can only remember these departed souls through the impressive body of work they left behind.
Some believe tears shed for them water the seeds of creativity they planted, ensuring their legacies endure.
Yet, for many families, the grief remains raw, particularly as April continues to be marked by such painful losses.
Tatenda Pinjisi’s widow, Melissa Chikuti, is still struggling to come to terms with his death.
“It has now been a year since my husband’s death, and I am yet to heal,” she shared.
“He was a true breadwinner who worked hard for his family and was adored by many countrywide, as was seen at his burial ceremony. His death has left me nursing this wound, and every time I look at our children, I am reminded of him more than eve . . .”
At just 32, Chikuti reflected on the dreams she and Pinjisi had for their family — dreams now dashed by the cruel hand of death.
“We had great plans as a young couple, often combining our aspirations. He had two children from a previous relationship and three with me, but we treated them all equally, which I continue to do.”
Mandipota’s elder brother, Fastmove, also expressed his grief.
“We have to move on as a family, but his wife is still to come to terms with the death. It is hardly a month since he passed away and his pregnant wife is unwell in Chegutu as we speak. We are leaving everything to God.
“We have no control over death, but if I had the means to stop it, I would have loved to see him raising his family and doing the job he loved since childhood.”
Meanwhile, Bususu’s family chose to celebrate the joy she brought into their lives.
Her daughter, Rumbidzai Machingambi, recalled: “My mother was someone who loved her job as an actress and her company was enjoyable. She would crack jokes effortlessly and even during her time in hospital, she treated the nurses with humour.”
Bususu, who stood alongside luminaries such as the late Susan Chenjerai (Mai Rwizi) and Rhoda Mtembe (Mai Sorobhi), and the living legend Jesesi Mungoshi (Neria), remains a towering figure in Zimbabwean film.
These departed figures continue to “rule from their graves”, guiding and inspiring new generations.
Their legacies remind us that while death silences voices, it cannot erase the impact of creativity, laughter and artistry that shaped the nation’s cultural identity.
