admin
Trust Khosa
The burial of Bhundu Boys founding member, Rise Kagona, will be held at Warren Hills Legends Cemetery in Harare tomorrow.
Kagona, died last month in Scotland at the age of 62, after a long illness.
His son, Clever Kagona, said they were now ready for the arrival of the singer’s body at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport this afternoon.
“All the arrangements have been made for our father’s body to arrive home after all the paper work was done.
“The body will arrive at the R.G Mugabe International Airport at 11.05 am today before proceeding to Claremont Parlour at No. 147 Harare Street,” said Clever.
“After the service and funeral procession, mourners will head home to Mufakose at House No. 3 Muvanga Street where the body will lie in state.
“On Saturday, the procession will leave Mufakose for Warren Hills Legends Cemetery at 1pm ahead of burial set for 2pm.”
The artiste was born in Malawi before his parents relocated to Zimbabwe when he was two years old.
He worked with Bhundu Boys for years and toured the world.
At Bhundu Boys, he worked with Biggie Tembo, Washington Kavhayi, Shepherd Munyama, David Mankaba, Shakie Kangwena and Kenny Chitsvatsva.
During their prime, the Bhundu Boys won the hearts of many with timeless hits such as ‘Simbimbino’, ‘Babamunini Francis’, ‘Hatisi Tose’ and ‘Kuroja Chete,’ among others.
Their popularity made them one of Africa’s most sought-after musical acts, securing lucrative record deals, including one with Warner Music.
Reliable sources chronicled how the group also toured North America, Australia, and Hong Kong, often chauffeured from luxury hotels to their performance venues.
At the height of their success, they collectively owned a large house in Kensal Rise, West London.
In 1987, the Bhundu Boys performed as the opening act for Madonna at Wembley Arena in the United Kingdom.
Death has crippled efforts to revive the band.
Drummer Chitsvatsva, who was among the co-founders of Bhundu Boys, is still alive.
Meanwhile, a send off ceremony for the Bhundu Boys founding member, was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Tuesday.
Zimbabwean film-maker Elton Mjanana shared the video of Kagona’s memorial service in his former base captioned:
“What a sombre day in cold Edinburgh…. RIP to the legend that is Rise Kagona.
“What a beautiful remembrance and celebration of his work and life.
“Travel safely to Zimbabwe tomorrow legend and see you on the other side.”
His son also hailed Kagona’s overseas fans for their love.
“The other memorial service of our father was held in Edinburgh and we are happy that he was celebrated overseas.
“The gathering, which attracted his former band members, in-laws, close friends and members from the Malawian community showed he was, indeed, a man of the people,” he said.
Clever said his father left behind a legacy to be cherished for years.
“My father was a legend and we will miss him and everything that he did for the industry.
“He also taught us music and we hope that he will be given a befitting send-off.
“We expect the same love shown by his fans in Scotland where he stayed to be shown by locals when his body arrives,” he added.
Online Reporter