adminIt was indeed a moving moment when mourners, who included music promoters, took a familiarisation tour by visiting the nearby Chavengwa Mountain and Gomusasa River which the late musical guru alluded to in one of his many songs.
Chavengwa Primary School, where the late “Muzukuru”, as Brown was affectionately known by his fans, attended school, closed its doors yesterday and had its flag flying at half mast in honour of their fallen hero.
The late musician’s body was later laid at its final resting place at about 1pm.
Many speakers took turns in their eulogies to describe Muzukuru’s musical road and achievements.
They all said Brown’s death was a great loss to the music fraternity and the country at large.
Member of Parliament for the area, Cde Jorum Gumbo, said Brown’s death robbed the nation of a great revolutionary and musician par excellence.
“Andy was a great musician who loved his country with passion. He was a true revolutionary as evidenced in his songs. His death is not only a loss to the people of Mberengwa but the nation as a whole,” he said.
Cde Gumbo said Brown was a role model to many young Zimbabweans, especially up-and-coming musicians.
“He was a role model to many young people in Zimbabwe including up-and-coming musicians. We will only find solace in that he has left a legacy which I believe will help many Zimbabweans shape their future,” he said.
In his eulogy, Media, Information and Publicity Minister, Webster Shamu also described the late Brown as a musician who had his country at heart.
Minister Shamu said it was disheartening that the country had once again lost yet another musical icon a few months after the death of yet another musical legend, Tongai Moyo.
The minister took the opportunity to castigate local journalists for spearheading what he called “constant negative” publicity of local musicians’ lives and social fabric.
“Here is an unsung musical hero whom every one is at pains to describe his death. What is so painful is that little is known about this revolutionary musician only because local journalists are bent on constantly publishing negative stories about our local musicians while on the other end, they hero-worship Western musicians, glorifying their ways,” fumed Minister Shamu.
He said journalists and the public media should devote their efforts to fighting piracy than praise-singing Western musicians’ lives.
“Our local musicians are fighting a lone battle in their endeavour to fight piracy which has since rendered them poorer and yet journalists seem to be feasting on their poverty by writing negative things about local musicians. This should not be encouraged,” he said.
Utakataka Express frontman, heir and son to the late musician Tongai Moyo, Peter, who was also among the mourners, pledged to stage a show which would see all the takings being given to the late Brown’s family as a way of honouring the fallen musical hero.
“Very soon, Utakataka Express will hold a show in honour of our departed father and musical hero. The proceeds of the show will be given to the Brown family,” said the young “Igwe” after he was given the platform to address mourners.
Among those who attended the burial ceremony was Zanu-PF national spokesperson, Cde Rugare Gumbo, Permanent Secretary in the Media,
Information and Publicity Ministry, Cde George Charamba, local chiefs, and some church leaders.
Musicians at Brown’s burial included his ex-wife, Chiwoniso Maraire, Cde Chinx, Amos Mahendere and some members of the Utakataka band.
Online Reporter