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Albert Dhafana
Post Correspondent
On the 24th of August, 2022, a great man, Chamunorwa Ringisai, breathed his last on the day that Catholics remember one of the apostles, Saint Bartholomew.
Mukoma Chamu, as he was affectionately known as, was a renowned Catholic music composer.
He passed away in the serene environments of Mutare, the scenic provincial of the Eastern Highlands.
Born on 11 November 1958, Mkoma Chamu was just two months’ shy of his 64th birthday.
Mukoma Chamu had battled a chronic ailment which he fought with such courage and faith. Like we are fond of singing, “Hazvaigona kumanikidza nguva’, he had to oblige on this journey of all mortals.
For a man who gave his all in composing Catholic songs and working tirelessly for the upholding of the sacredness of Catholic celebrations, here is a brief obituary.
Mkoma Chamu was a colossal even larger than life.
The Catholic Church is known, among many other good things, for its well-structured services. We call it Mass.
Even if one attends a Mass in a language they don’t know, it will not be too difficult to follow or appreciate the proceedings.
A Swahili Mass, is no different from an Italian one.
It is the same in Chibarwe, Chikunda or Kinyarwanda.
A Catholic Mass is defined in good measure by the songs.
All Catholic songs fall into the category of sacred music.
It is a whole body of life.
People study for years to appreciate Catholic sacred music.
You may have heard of the Gregorian and Ambrosian chants.
The late Father Georg Ratzinger ordained to priesthood on the same day with his brother Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and was a church musician of renown in his native country of Germany.
In Zimbabwe, the late national hero, Father Emmanuel Ribeiro was a well-read church musician.
The people I have interacted with at pontifical universities like Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) tell me it is no small feat to study church music.
Now, one of the greatest Catholic music composers, Chamunorwa Ringisai, has passed on.
He defied many things in his life to become a household name in the country.
With over nine compositions to his name, Mkoma Chamu traces his musical journey to St. Pius Njube of Bulawayo.
He had a disability which put him in a wheelchair for the larger part of his life.
He trained in leather crafting and was good at it as well.
He worked with other people at Jairos Jiri Centre.
Mukoma Chamu had the ability to weave words into deep chants. Many will remember ‘Vanyai vokutanga’, a 1989 composition made on the priestly ordination of Father David Maganyo at St. Joseph Mission in Mutare.
Mukoma Chamunorwa took the Mupiro Book and went through almost all the prayers to find a suitable song for his friend.
He settled for the Uganda Martyrs prayer.
He was to compose many songs later, inspiring his wife, daughter and the entire Ringisai family into Catholic music compositions.
I remember around 2004, on the Episcopal Silver Jubilee of the late Bishop Patrick Mutume, he composed a deep piece with the lines ‘Itai kuti matambudziko andakasangana nawo mubasa iri andishingise andigonese kukushandirai nenzira yamunoda imi. Baba ndinokutendai’.
On that day, on a reluctantly sunny Saturday at St. Joseph Mission, Sakubva, Mkoma Chamu rose from his wheelchair and with the help of his crutches directed the choir.
Mkoma Chamu was a good story teller, a good man I must say.
He had presence and understood a variety of subjects.
He defied many things and was an ardent advocate for people with disabilities.
He was one of St. Paul Catholic Church Dangamvura’s respected parishioners.
The Diocese of Mutare and indeed the church in Zimbabwe will cherish his contributions to Catholic liturgy forever.
Mukoma Chamu remained humble and managed to handle fame.
To Mai Chiedza and the, I say take courage in knowing that Baba ran his race well.
Our God’s name is mercy.
He will take him in his aboard. May his dear soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him.
Tionane Mwari achida Dube.
Fambai zvakanaka Samaita Mudzani Werenje, vakafa zuva rikaora. Makagwa kugwa kwakanaka.
From your friend
Albert Dhafana
Online Reporter