Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
POPULAR spirit medium and Star FM cultural commentator, Memory Madambure says she will continue practising and teaching the younger generations the traditional African way of life.
Better known as Gogo Chihoro, she still believes African culture is rich and should not be overshadowed by westernisation.
In a wide-ranging interview with H-Metro just after the belated Women’s Month celebrations, where she was doing charity work—including paying school fees for the less privileged—Gogo Chihoro revealed that she would do anything to preserve Ubuntu.
However, she has attracted attention for her dressing which many feel is western as opposed to the African attires she is expected to wear as per her beliefs.
She said she is not a sangoma, but a spirit medium who believes in class and swagger.
“I am a spirit medium who was born in Mt Darwin before I relocated to Harare due to the demand for my services,” she said.
“Some people call me a traditional healer, but I am not one. I am rather a spirit medium who can foretell the future and also cast away evil spirits tormenting people.
“I am also into charity work. Last month, I met some of my beneficiaries that we are paying school fees for. I don’t usually want to share this, but sometimes we want to inspire others that you can still be a spirit medium and also do charity work.”
Known for rolling in sleek wheels and donning expensive outfits, which has led many to mistake her for a fashionista, Gogo Chihoro said elegance was her middle name.
“I am particular about my looks, and it is high time we moved away from the perception that spirit mediums are always scruffy and dirty.
“In my case, I go for the most expensive wheel, clothes and deodorants to look nice, because I am not cursed or tormented by spirits.
“I am approachable, and that is why I have formalised my operations here in Mandara, Harare,” she explained.
She also revealed that she believes in technology and has online engagements with people.
Gogo Chihoro said she was determined to change many people’s lives and educate the younger generations to appreciate their culture.
“I know the younger generations have been brainwashed into believing that anything to do with our culture is evil, and that alone has left us in trouble.
“In my case, I practise my tradition with swagger and elegance because we want to change the narrative.
“The youngsters can still maintain their swagger and still practise their tradition.”
**Gogo Chihoro will be a guest on the H-Metro Podcast next week
Mathew Masinge