DJ Mukanya dies

Entertainment Reporter
Seasoned club disc jockey Nathan Rusike has died. Rusike who was popularly known as DJ Mukanya died on Monday after a short illness.
He was 43. By yesterday the social media was awash with condolence messages from fans and relatives who were touched by the death of DJ Mukanya.

The DJ was well-known for his exciting slots at Pamuzinda Highway X-scape that is now known as Ice & Fire Pamuzinda and worked for the joint under both labels.

Josh Hozheri, a music promoter and proprietor of Ice & Fire Pamuzinda described the death as a sad loss not only to his family but patrons as well.
“He took a two-week break and only yesterday (Monday) we heard that he had passed on. Since we took over the running of the venue last December, DJ Mukanya was not sure of his fate but then after requests from his fans, we had to go and look for him.

“We brought him back and he continued with the good work of entertaining the crowd. One thing that you could not take away from him was that he had a huge presence and the crowd loved him for that. And for that reason he became to be known as the ‘branch manager’ because he was a resident DJ at Ice& Fire Pamuzinda,” Hozheri said.

He said DJ Mukanya’s Saturday old skool sessions were always packed with music lovers.
“He was in a class of his own although here and there he would invite other old skool DJs in the likes of Witness Matema, Zobha, Flabba and Kudzi to perform. During his sessions you wouldn’t need a live band,” he said.

Clive Munyaradzi Mamutse wrote on Facebook: “Sad news to Rusike family following the passing on of Nathan Tigere Rusike (Tiggz) or DJ Mkanya as he was affectionately known Pamuzinda where he was a resident DJ. A former Zhunde Boozers Bhora player and founding Sporting Lions player. May his soul rest in eternal peace. You were a brother more than a brother in fact hamba kahle.”

Martha Michael based in Southampton, England said: “Oh Tiggz, why why . . . ndaka kutsvaga wani, may u Rest In Peace my brother, I feel so (heart) broken.”

“Aaaas shame Tiggz ashaya. Nematambudziko. Inga tiri kupera rumwe rumwe,” wrote Innocent Sitambuli.
Ngoni Makarawu from Sandton, South Africa said: “RIP Tiggs” while Louis Sande also from the United Kingdom wrote: “We will always remember you, may his soul rest in peace.”

DJ Mukanya is survived by his wife and two children. Mourners are gathered at house number 4990 Kuwadzana 6, Harare. Burial arrangements are still to be finalised.