Online Reporter
Takawira “Photoveteran” Dapi
Alick Macheso’s rhythm guitarist Tafi Nyamunda has revealed that he contemplated suicide after losing his eyesight.
Tafi, who is popular for playing the rhythm guitar on Macheso’s songs Zuro Ndizuro, Macharangwanda and many others, claims the problem started while he was watching TV with his family at home.
He says the problem started with his left eye before both eyes went completely blind moments later.
He is now walking with an assistant.
A fan broke the news during Macheso’s homecoming show at Warren Park bar last Friday.
After hearing the news, other fans at the venue contributed and raised funds for his upkeep and medical expenses.
In an interview with H-Metro shortly after the news broke, Tafi said he even suffered depression after developing the condition.
“It started when I was just watching TV at home, I saw a cloudy vision on my left eye and the right one followed.
“I can’t see any more, I am just seeing a blurry vision and a very faint light whenever I face anything bright.
“Yes, I wanted to commit suicide but when Mudhara (Alick) Macheso discovered this, he quickly guaranteed me that my life was in safe hands like any of the band members.
“He assured me that I will receive his help, and that God was watching over me.
“I had decided to commit suicide because I was depressed, my mind got affected too hence I turned suicidal.
“I could not imagine myself in this situation, that I can no longer see my children, the fans and being aided to go anywhere I want, saka ndakanga ndangoti kungofa kuri nani.”
He said he was going to ask his child to accompany him to buy the pesticide though he had gone blind.
“I was going to ask my child to accompany me to buy a pesticide at a local shop, pretending as if I wanted to use it for other business and then drink it,” Tafi said.
He said he owes everything to Macheso for talking him out of his suicidal thoughts.
“Mudhara Macheso often sat down with me for counseling until I told myself that this wasn’t the end of the world and that I was still safe. My message to anyone deciding to commit suicide is that, firstly seek advice to any of your problems, you are going to be surprised after realising that your problems were far lighter than problems with most of the people on this earth.
“Macheso mushonga we hupenyu in silence. I am surprised there are many people in worse situations than me. He is still helping today.
“He also got disturbed after hearing that I had contemplated committing suicide.
“I thank him for his advice that I am not the only one facing physical challenges.”
“We have Lucky Mumiriki and Pfonda Pfonda, who had a road accident on his way home, and many from the band and the general public around Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said he will continue serving the band in his condition while hoping for the best.
“When you passionately love and pursue what you love most, God will always land you on the apex like where I am now with the best sungura Zimbabwean band.
“I will continue playing for Orchestra Mberikwazvo despite my condition because I am doing what I love.”
Tafi is now moving around with the help of Macheso’s uncle, Francis “Sekuru Poto” Charamba, who is still performing at Macheso’s shows.
“His condition is a challenge, but we have been standing united in support making him feel loved as we follow our boss Macheso, our management and the whole brand because Tafi is one of us.
“We are a team, and anyone’s problem affects us all, this is how we are made at Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
“He has been receiving medical attention and our management is working hard to get professional help,” said Sekuru Poto.
Tafi was previously with Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria’s Khiama Boys band and is remembered for the rhythm guitar on the popular track, Mazano.
Mathew Masinge