Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ESTEEMED gospel artiste Dorcas Moyo is heartbroken over the loss of her beloved aunt, Tina Tsabora, who succumbed to a brain tumour in Goromonzi on Sunday.
The tragedy has left a significant void in her life, as Tsabora was a key figure in Moyo’s musical journey.
Throughout December and January, Moyo dedicated her time to supporting her aunt during her illness, frequently travelling between Mutare and Goromonzi.
In a recent interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, she shared that she has yet to come to terms with the loss, expressing the immense influence her aunt had on her career.
“My aunt was more than a mother figure; she played an important role in shaping my career,” she stressed.
“She is the one who raised and groomed me to be the best person I am. In life, there are heroes and heroines who are responsible for our growth, yet they remain in the background. I won’t forget all the love she gave me.”
The award-winning diva acknowledged her aunt as a mentor who helped her navigate her musical path.
“She used to write at least one song for me on every album that was released over the years. This kind of help is hard to come by because she knew what I wanted and understood me well.
“I can safely say that I am what I am because of her, as she encouraged me to compose songs. This gift of singing came from her,” she emphasised.
Moyo, a well-known praise and worship star, lamented that life will never be the same without her aunt.
“It is hard to imagine living without my mother figure because she loved us. She treated us equally, and we will never find someone who had as much love for her family.”
She urged her uncle Mashamba Tsabora to be strong during this time of mourning for their family head.
“I just urge my uncle to be strong in these trying times. We did our best to save his wife and were in the process of raising the US$20,000 needed for her brain tumor surgery in India. It’s quite unfortunate that she was also paralysed at the time of her death. My uncle was a welder, and it was hard for him to raise that money alone. As a family, we went out of our way to help her, but to no avail,” she added.
Tina, the mother of three, was unable to speak in her last days. Her husband recently told this publication that they had exhausted all their financial resources, and doctors had recommended treatment in India, where specialists are available. “I am just a mere welder from Goromonzi struggling to make ends meet,” he recently told this publication.
Tsabora revealed that Tina’s cancer was at an advanced stage, but several doctors indicated that she still had a chance of survival if she received treatment in India.
He noted that their last hope lay in the support of well-wishers, as they have completely exhausted their finances. Sadly, Tina passed away last weekend but has left behind a legacy to be cherished for years. While she will be celebrated after death, it’s important to recognise that Tina was the woman behind Moyo’s career. Having someone who would write a song for you for free is no small feat.
After all has been said, Moyo’s aunt will best be remembered for shaping one of Zimbabwe’s finest gospel divas, yet she remained on the background.
The love and encouragement she provided have propelled Moyo’s musical journey, proving that true mentorship lasts beyond a lifetime.
As the family mourns her loss, they also celebrate the profound impact she had on their lives and the arts.
