Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE life of late arts promoter, evangelist and football administrator, Joseph Kufandiko, will be celebrated on Sunday at a memorial gala at Wadzanai.
A host of top musicians, led by Leonard Zhakata, Progress Chipfumo, Freeman and First Farai, are set to lead the tribute show for Kufandiko, who died in March. He succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident after being hit by a car.
Kufandiko was 53.
He is survived by his widow, Lucia Bisenti, and four children – three girls and a son.
A favourite of many artists dating back to the early 2000s, Kufandiko hosted most of the yesteryear and current stars in Shamva under the banner Mafaro Promotions.
Following his death, a number of musicians vowed to come together to hold a fundraising gala in his honour.
Other stars in the line-up include Trymore Bande, Chipo Muchegwa, Fungisai Zvakavapano, Hosiah Chipanga, Mostivity, Mahindekinde Orchestra, George Praise, and others.
Family spokesperson and younger brother of the late promoter, Caesar Kufandiko, praised the Shamva community, the music, and sporting fraternity for their condolences to the family following the loss of his sibling.
“We have received a lot of support from the musicians who used to work with my brother,” he told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“They pledged to come and perform for free here as a way of fundraising for his family.
“As you know, my brother was one of the popular music promoters in Mashonaland Central, and we were humbled when all these musicians vowed to come and perform for free as a way of raising funds for his family.
“He was also an evangelist at Mind of Christ Chapel, where he touched the hearts of many.
“We are ready for this event, which will begin around sunset.”
He added: “By the way, my brother was a founding member of Simba Bhora when it was still called Simba Stars, alongside Simba Ndoro, and other partners.
“As such, we have decided to host his tribute show after Sunday’s upcoming match between Simba Bhora FC and Triangle.”
Mathew Masinge