Artistes mourn Chisvo

diabetes.
The 48-year-old Chisvo was admitted at Harare Central Hospital after his sugar levels escalated and he died on Wednesday morning after years of fighting the disease.
According to a friend and spokesperson, Victor Kunonga, Chisvo will be buried at his rural home in Gandura Village in Seke tomorrow.
Although his condition was not known until his death this week, Chisvo never slouched or showed any signs of ill heath save for his burly stamina which most of his fans thought was normal.
The veteran percussionist/singer/songwriter and composer worked with several local and international musicians.
His level-headedness, many would agree, was one attribute that made Chisvo a joy to work with.
Theatre producer Daves Guzha described Chisvo as a “gentle giant” and a hands-on session musician whose contributions changed the face of music and one that’s irreplaceable.
“Adam who, a few weeks ago I saw performing with Chiwoniso at the Book Café, will forever remain present in my life. Rest in peace Adam ‘Kabila’.”
Up until his time of death, Chisvo had become part of Victor Kunonga’s backing group called Band Peace, where he was a backing vocalist and percussionist.
At times he would warm the stage for Kunonga during which time he played his mellow instrumentals.
In an interview with The Herald, some of the musicians that worked with Chisvo expressed shock and spoke highly of him.
During his peak Chisvo worked with Ilanga, Busi Ncube, the late Don Gumbo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Louis Mhlanga, Andy Brown, Keith Farquharson, Dudu Manhenga, Chiwoniso Maraire, Willom Tight and Charles Summerfield.
Kunonga said the death of Chisvo has left a huge void in the music industry.
“This is a big loss to Zimbabwean music industry and the world at large, musicians and music lovers alike,” said Kunonga.
Artistes for Democracy in Zimbabwe Trust, an organisation Chisvo worked with, described the death as a big loss to the entire music scene.
“Chisvo will be remembered as a session musician who worked with several renowned artistes . . . Regular patrons of the Book Café and Mannenberg will remember him as a smiling giant who used to entertain them every week.
“ADZT would like to express its condolences to the Chisvo family and the entire Zimbabwean arts and culture fraternity for this said loss. We will profoundly remember him as a peace-loving musician who always stood ready to participate in the development of his country,” read the statement.
Chiwoniso expressed shock and said she was at a loss for words.
Tanga WekwaSando said Chisvo enjoyed a lot of respect for his prowess on mbira and percussion.
“I saw him two weeks ago and he did not show any signs of not feeling well, I am indeed shocked,” he said.
Mtukudzi sent his condolences through his publicist Shepherd Mutamba saying that the superstar, wife Daisy and family, Tuku Music and Pakare Paye Arts Centre have learnt of the passing of musician Chisvo with a heavy heart.
“Another of our heroes a fine gentleman, great percussionist and father Adam Chisvo (48) has departed after battling diabetes for some time.
“It was there for all to see how Adam had redefined contemporary percussions with so much ease and clarity which made him the musician of choice for many artistes who sought his unparalleled talent and expertise in their productions.
“I did not necessarily work with Adam in my band – The Black Spirits – but we performed together in so many collaborative productions. His percussion was contagious, irresistible and inimitable that I fell for it and invited him to record on my music.
“Adam made a huge difference wherever he laid his skills – the kind of uniqueness that we all seek in our music.
“As I join Adam’s wife, children, family and friends during this dark hour of grief I pray and hope that they all draw solace and strength from Adam’s celebrated work and great personality. Adam is a hero,” Mtukudzi said.