Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts Hub
ORCHESTRA Mberikwazvo backing vocalist and drummer, Barnabas “Barna” Mandipota yesterday got a huge send-off at his burial at Rimuka Cemetery in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province.
Hordes of mourners, including former workmates, neighbours and fans, described Barnabas as having been a creative genius.
He was 35.
Mourners, led by sungura ace Alick Macheso, accompanied by his wife Nyadzisai, hailed Barnabas as a creative genius who made the simple appear sophisticated.
“Physically you have gone, but you are still in our hearts. Barna, your race is finished — go well, we will miss you,” Macheso remarked, fighting back tears.
Macheso, who recruited Barna four years ago during public audition, has vowed to support the deceased’s young family.
“You have left young kids; we will do our best to assist those you left behind. We are going to do our best and ensure that we render our help to the young family.”
Top chanter, Jonas Kasamba, did his best to calm down Macheso who easily breaks down.
Barna’s elder brother and family spokesperson, Fastmove Mandipota hailed thousands of mourners for giving the late dancer a dignified farewell.
“We are happy with the huge turnout at the event as fans came to pay their last respects to Barnabas in numbers,” he said.
“Of course there was a bit of mix-up as some fans went to the other cemetery in town (Kadoma Hospital Cemetery), but we finally settled for Rimuka Cemetery to accommodate many people.
“The attendance was massive, and he was indeed a man of the people.
“We will always remember the good moments that he had with the people of Kadoma.”
Former band members who worked with Barna at Nakiso Band showered the late singer with praises for introducing them to the music world in style.
The three group members were introduced to mourners by Star presenter Ndumiso “Skywalker” Dube, who presided over the burial.
“Barna was an amazing soul, a talented singer whom we served with distinction.
“He taught us a lot, and life will never be the same without him,” said a former Nakiso Express dancer who identified himself as Mazowe.
“In my case, he was a good boss. We worked together before he joined Mark Ngwazi, and later we left to join Gift Amuli,” another dancer interjected.
Despite it being their father’s burial, Barna’s four children were present and danced to Macheso’s touching song “Mundikumbuke,” a fitting track that used to be their father’s favourite.
“Ndivo vana ava Barna” (These are Barnabas’ children). Let’s clap for them,” chanted Skywalker as the boys were given cash.
Of course, they might be young — some as young as 10 — but their father’s legacy is already part of their lives.
Ten years from now they will still carry the special memories of how their father was given a big send-off after he met his Maker.
At 35, he still had much to offer.
However, the cruel hand of death may have taken him in the sad bracket of his 30s, as was the case with Soul Jah Love (31), Leonard Dembo (36), System Tazvida (30), Admire Kasenga (34) and Thomas Makion (33), among others.
He will also be missed for his hospitality levels which made him distinct.
Barna, who rose to acclaim at Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo, started from the bottom in Kadoma.
Barna previously worked with Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele and Mark Ngwazi.
At the time of his death, he was a vital cog for Orchestra Mberikwazvo where he warmed up the stage before Macheso’s appearance on stage.
