Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
The family of the late Bulawayo rapper Mgcini “Cal_Vin” Nhliziyo marked the sixth anniversary of his death by visiting his grave at Lady Stanley Cemetery over the weekend, paying tribute to an artiste whose influence on Zimbabwean Hip-Hop continues to resonate.
The visit was led by his mother, Sinikiwe Luphahla and included Cal_Vin’s daughter, her mother and other close relatives, who gathered to remember the rapper’s life and legacy.
Cal_Vin, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in Zimbabwean Hip-Hop, died on October 25, 2020, after being struck and run over by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in Bulawayo.
According to witness and family accounts, a white vehicle, reportedly a Mazda Familia without number plates, struck the rapper. He allegedly jumped onto the bonnet in an apparent attempt to stop the driver, who continued moving before braking abruptly, throwing him off and subsequently running over him.
He was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he died from his injuries. The driver responsible has remained unidentified.
Reflecting on her son’s passing, Luphahla said the pain of losing him remained deeply felt, even as the family continued to celebrate the legacy he left behind.
“Six years have passed, but to us, Cal_Vin is still very much present in our lives. We miss his laughter, his energy and the love he had for his family. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child, especially in such tragic circumstances.
“Although his absence has left a void that can never be filled, we find comfort in the memories we shared and the music he gave the world. We will continue to honour his name and keep his legacy alive,” she said
Meanwhile, Cal_Vin’s close associates took to social media to remember the rapper, reflecting on his contribution to the genre and the loss his death represented to Bulawayo’s Hip-Hop community.
Award-winning journalist Sindiso Dube wrote: “Six years on, ntwana. The game isn’t the same, and justice is still overdue. We miss you endlessly. Long live King Cal Vin.”
Arts administrator and rapper Thorne Laroq said the passage of time had done little to ease the pain of losing his friend.
“Been six years now and it still feels like a prank. Like you’re just going to show up and we laugh about it and carry on. Damn, bro. It’s hard to say rest in peace with your killers still at large,” he wrote.
Comedian Ntando Van Moyo said Cal_Vin’s contribution to Hip-Hop remained difficult to match, arguing that his death had left a significant gap in Bulawayo’s music scene.
“It has been six years since Cal_Vin died, and I can honestly say Bulawayo Hip-Hop was buried with him. He was the last person to give us a national anthem in the genre, with ‘Z’khuphan’, a hit that had the whole of Zimbabwe singing.
“I have seen people trying to revive hip-hop, while some aspiring rappers have tried to ride on Cal_Vin’s wave, but none has reached his standard. He raised the bar so high that it remains unmatched. It could take years, if not decades, for Bulawayo to produce a rapper like him,” said Van Moyo.
Hip-Hop artiste Floppy X, who collaborated with Cal_Vin on several projects, remembered him as a confident musician who remained true to himself and refused to compromise his principles.
Looking back on their time together, Floppy X said Cal_Vin’s presence would have continued to inspire those around him, both musically and personally.
“When I look back at the memories we shared, I honestly believe life would have been better with him around. He had a great personality and gave us the musical spirit to work hard and chase after him as the leader of the game. Life is boring without Vin.
“What I remember most about him is how he handled things. He never let the industry dictate what he should do or when he should do it. When Cal_Vin said no to something, he meant it.
“I remember he refused to perform at Skyz Metro FM’s Umcimbi Wabantu when local artistes were underpaid. He demanded his fair fee and stood his ground until he got the money he wanted. He knew his worth,” said Floppy X.
Six years after his death, tributes from family, friends and fellow artistes continue to underline Cal_Vin’s enduring influence on Zimbabwean hip-hop and the lasting impact of his music on the Bulawayo arts scene.
