Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
FORMER Umkhathi Theatre Works performer Hebson Chigodora “Chigiza” Ncube, who died on Wednesday, 11 November, will be laid to rest at Luveve Cemetery on Saturday.
A funeral service will be held at his family home in Entumbane, Bulawayo, before the burial.
According to a funeral notice issued by the Ncube family, Chigiza’s body is expected to arrive at his home, House Number 30186/8, Entumbane, on Friday at 4PM.
The funeral service will begin at 8AM on Saturday, with family, friends and members of the arts community expected to gather to pay their last respects.
His death has left a gap in Bulawayo’s performing arts community, particularly among artistes who watched him grow from an aspiring performer into an accomplished stage practitioner.
Chigiza joined Umkhathi’s feeder group, Cloud ’00, at the turn of the millennium before progressing to the senior group. His talent, passion and discipline contributed to the organisation’s artistic growth. He remained with Umkhathi until his departure in 2023.
However, leaving Umkhathi did not mark the end of his involvement in the arts. He continued sharing his knowledge with younger performers, including assisting with choreography at Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (IYASA).
His willingness to support and mentor emerging talent became an important part of his legacy.
Among those who have remembered him are IYASA founder Nkululeko Dube, Joseph Ngubo and Mehluli “Gomez” Dube. They recalled a humble, sociable and passionate artiste whose influence extended beyond the stage.
As his family prepares to lay him to rest, the performing arts community will remember not only his performances but also the young talent he helped nurture.
His contribution to Bulawayo’s arts scene will remain part of his lasting legacy.
