Light Machine Gun founder dies

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
REVOLUTIONARY music group Light Machine Gun (LMG Choir) founder Give Nare has died.

He was 79.

Nare died on Wednesday at Gwanda Hospital after suffering a heart attack.

LMG – the choir behind hit songs Kubuhlungu and Yithi Laba contributed immensely to the liberation struggle. The group which was set up by the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo to sing revolutionary songs was made the official Zipra Choir in Zambia since 1978. During the war, they encouraged revolutionaries.

Initially, the choir had founders Lichani Moyo who disappeared in 1984 after being abducted, Mawuda Moyo and the now late Nare.

Others, Gladys Moyo, Happiness Sibanda, Albert Nyathi and the late Solomon Skhuza joined the group at a later stage.

Sibanda said they were saddened by the death of Nare whom she described as their pillar of strength.

“Cde Nare was a father and mentor to the group. He was among the pioneers of the group which was chosen to accompany the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo from Zambia to the new Zimbabwe after the war,” said Sibanda.

“It’s unfortunate that Cde Nare died after losing his wife who died a month ago. I can’t imagine what his four daughters are going through at the moment.

“We can’t run away from fate, although it’s a sad chapter in our country’s history.”

Sibanda said they wanted Nare to be honoured for his liberation war contribution and have since submitted that request to Zanu-PF.

“I called Cde [Kembo] Mohadi who in turn instructed me to write a letter of request to Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial structures who’ll process the papers. We expect him to be buried on Saturday if all goes well,” said Sibanda.

She said mourners are gathered at 1103 Phakama Township in Gwanda.

“We urge every ex-combatant even Cde Chinx, Albert Nyathi and those who worked with him to come and support his family in Gwanda.

We should show unity in this time of great distress,” said Sibanda.