happiness Chikwanha
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
GOOD Samaritans still exist, and the family of sungura legend John Chibadura can attest to this.
Recently, a Good Samaritan stepped in to design a new tombstone for the late music legend at no cost to the family.
Chibadura’s grave, which was in a poor state, attracted the attention of tombstone designer Tendai Mbofana, of Ngoda Granites, who came to the family’s rescue
Mbofana was shocked when photos of the neglected grave circulated on social media,
sparking mockery and criticism.
Chibadura, who passed away on August 4, 1999, at the age of 42, was laid to rest at Unit L
Cemetery, in Chitungwiza.
“I was touched when I saw the pictures circulating on social media and how people mocked the family for not maintaining the gravesite,” Mbofana said.
“I didn’t want to go public about this issue, we are simply assisting the family.
“After all, I am a fan of Chibadura and I can’t enjoy his music while my hero’s gravesite
is in such poor condition.”
He continued:
“I’m glad that the family is cooperating well with us, and we don’t intend to go back on our promise.
“We want the same social media critics to make the same noise they did before, but this
time in appreciation of the transformation.
“As Zimbabweans, we need to respect one another and stop this behaviour for the sake of likes and attention on social media.”
Mbofana has designed tombstones for other celebrities like Soul Jah Love, Lazarus “Gringo” Boora, Paul Matavire, Rhoda Mtembe ‘‘Mai Sorobhi” and Susan “Mai Rwizi” Chenjerai.
“As a nation, we need to appreciate our icons and make sure that we honour them in the best way we can.
“For Chibadura, we have gone out of our way to ensure that the family’s legacy is respected and honoured.
“I am not even ashamed to be associated with them.” Chibadura’s son, Simba, said:
“The trolling we suffered on social media was a blessing in disguise for us because now a Good Samaritan has come on board to assist us.
“There was nothing we could do to stop them from saying what they wanted but we all now that we are operating in a challenging economic environment.
“Our father was a legend, and he deserves to be honoured. We are glad that we have come to this point where one of our father’s fans, whom we had never met, has designed this state-of-the-art tombstone.”
Simba, who now leads the Chibadura Brothers Band alongside Knowledge and John Junior, revealed that they will organise a special event to unveil the tombstone.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo