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Reginald Chirenje-Arts Reporter
Local musicians and the arts fraternity are mourning yesteryear gospel musician Diva Mafunga who died yesterday morning in a road accident while on his way back to Harare from Bulawayo.
He was 55 years old and is survived by three children.
Mourners are gathered in Unit N, Seke, Chitungwiza.
Mafunga was one of the most influential gospel musicians in the country, with albums and hit songs such as ‘Endai Naizvozvo’, ‘Fambai Nekutenda’, ‘Pfuurirai Mberi’, and ‘Ndicharamba Ndichidana’, among others.
His love for music began in the 1980s and in 2019 he won the Legendary Award at the Permican Awards.
Meanwhile, musicians and artists across Zimbabwe have shared their condolence messages where mostly they described the death as a huge blow in the sector.
Some have remembered him as a talented musician as well as an advocate of God’s word.
Dr Anywhere Mutambudzi, Presidential Communications, Office of the President and Cabinet
The Office of the President and Cabinet has learnt with shock and deep sorrow of the passing on of Diva Mafunga. Mafunga was one of the artistes that performed at the Umdala Wethu Gala in Maphisa, Mat South, on Saturday. On his way to Harare, his car developed a mechanical problem and he left it in Gweru for safe keeping. On Monday, he went back to have the car towed to Harare. On his way to Harare between Gweru and Kwekwe, whilst being towed, the two cars were involved in an accident that claimed Diva Mafunga’s life.
The Office of the President and Cabinet conveys deep condolences to the Mafunga family, the arts industry and the nation at large for the sad and painful loss. May the Lord comfort them in these difficult times.
Charles Charamba:
“It comes as a shock. Indeed, we have lost a good and dependable companion, someone who candidly demonstrated his love for God. May the Lord comfort the children and family at large. Rest in power our own Compatriot Diva Mafunga.”
Minister Praise Goveya
“Today (Tuesday) we mourn the tragic loss of minister Diva Mafunga, a beloved gospel musician in Zimbabwe. His contributions to the growth of gospel music were remarkable and his voice touched many hearts. Rest in peace Diva Mafunga, your anointed voice will forever be cherished in our hearts.”
Dorcas Moyo
“Haaa tirikutandara shuwa. (Everyone is passers-by on earth) I was enjoying his live performance paChipinge gala. Pasi hapasi pedu imimi, tirikutandara. (We are all going in the same route). Rest in power my brother Diva Mafunga. Mweya mutsvene anoziva hake. (The Lord and Holy Spirit knows).”
Worshiper Munya:
“Dark cloud indeed. You cannot mention Zimbabwe gospel music without the classic Diva Mafunga. Rest in peace.”
Gift Touch:
“Afternoon family, Just heard that gospel musician Diva Mafunga is no more. The confirmed report says he died in a road traffic accident, so sad. A week ago I saw him on ZBC TV performing at Chipinge Gala. MHSRIP.”
Tat Petra:
“In 2007 l fell sick that l couldn’t turn myself sleeping on the bed. My brother, Mkoma Simba, who also late now, would make sure he bathes and feeds me before going to school and he would leave me with one thing: a small radio playing Diva Mafunga the whole day and that’s what kept my faith up till l got healed. Now an accident has taken mdhara Diva Mafunga. What a loss!. May he rest in peaceful peace and be quickened when the Lord comes with the trump of an archangel.”
Clive Mono Mukundu:
“Just learned the sad news that musician Diva Mafunga has passed away. It’s another huge loss for the sector.
“He called me every now and then for the past three years to say that he was now serious about working with me to create a reggae album, and I always responded by saying, “You said the same thing last time.”Both of us were not aware that it was never going to happen. R.I.P Diva”
Rev Chivaviro:
“Oh nooo, Baba Davias Mafunga, You were such a humble blessing to the work of the Kingdom. “Endai naizvozvo…mudzidzise marudzi osee…”Jehovha vakapa Jehovha vatora. May your family be comforted.
Online Reporter