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Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Acting Entertainment Editor
The late musician Zexie Manatsa’s family has said the death of their mother, Stella, in her sleep at the family home in Marlbereign, Harare, yesterday, caught them by surprise since she did not exhibit any signs of illness before going to sleep.
She was 68.
The couple’s first son, Green, said in an interview with The Herald Arts and Entertainment that they were shocked by her death.
“It is a shock and I don’t know how to describe it,” he said. “On Monday night we ate sadza in the afternoon together then did supper with the rest of the family.
“We even watched television and chilled. She was not complaining of any pains of sickness. Just like old age, she also had high blood pressure and diabetes, but was taking her medication regularly.”
Green said their cousin, Makaita, noticed that her grandmother was not doing her usual routine.
“She used to sleep with our cousin Makaita and both of them usually woke up early as Makaita would prepare for school,” he said. “So, it happens that on Tuesday night she went to take a bath and left her sleeping.
“She came back and noticed her in a strange sleeping position and then she tried waking her up. She then alerted us that granny was not waking up, not moving or breathing, then we went to check and it was too late.
“She was gone. It is very difficult for us considering that we lost our father eight months ago, we were now trying to be strong and continue comforting her, but fate had a different story.”
Green said Stella was likely to be buried in Harare next to her husband in fulfilment of her wishes, although the burial arrangements were still in progress.
“It’s painful,” said Green. “Surprisingly, she used to say that she would want to be buried next to her husband. She would even say it even when dad was alive.”
Green said they were waiting for other family members, including those in the diaspora, to come for the funeral.
“First, we are waiting for the post mortem results, then we will announce the cause of death. We are waiting also for other family members and it’s too early to decide on the burial arrangements.
“My brothers are in the United Kingdom and we are waiting for them. We will get in touch with you, but most likely she will be buried in Harare next to her husband.”
Stella is survived by six children and 14 grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at number 3564 Sentosa, Mabelreign, Harare.
Her death comes eight months after her husband Zexie succumbed to cancer.
The couple is known for staging what could be regarded as the biggest wedding in Zimbabwe in 1979 which was held at the Rufaro Stadium.
The stadium was filled to capacity, with various musicians including legends like the late Oliver Mtukudzi performing.
The wedding came at the height of Zexie Manatsa’s musical career when he was undoubtedly the most popular musician in the country.
Online Reporter