Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE burial of Tatenda Pinjisi, taking place in his rural home of Mutoko today, will significantly unite royalties’ collecting associations, musicians and arts promoters.
This follows the generosity exhibited by various stakeholders in honour of Pinjisi, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 34.
The accident also claimed the lives of two band members and a female passenger near the Norton Tollgate along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.
Family spokesperson Howard Pinjisi, who is also a musician, welcomed the show of solidarity from musicians, arts promoters and royalty collecting associations such as the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) and the Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (ZICCO), among other stakeholders.
“The funeral wake proceeded as planned, and we are grateful for the support we have received so far from various promoters led by Chipaz (Partson Chimbodza) and his entire team.
“The musicians have come on board and have been commiserating with us, indicating that my younger brother was indeed a man of the people.
“The ZIMURA team provided food, part of which has already been sent to Mutoko to ensure that mourners are catered for,” he emphasised.
He also expressed gratitude to ZICCO for providing transportation and refreshments.
“We appreciate this kindness (from ZICCO), as such support is vital during these challenging times when we are mourning one of our own. Transportation is essential because many musicians want to go to Mutoko but are facing challenges in securing rides,” he stressed.
He also praised music promoters who provided a public address system for the burial, which was taken to Mutoko last night for the funeral vigil.
“Since my brother was a musician, we have a way of celebrating our own in Zimbabwe during the funeral vigil and at the burial. Tatenda was a man of the people, and he deserves a fitting send-off here in Mutoko. He put Mutoko on the world map, and it’s quite interesting to note that people are celebrating him in this way,” he added.
ZIMURA board member Alexio Gwenzi praised Pinjisi as an active member who valued his intellectual property.
“He was a gifted singer, songwriter, and performer. Tatenda’s loss is deeply felt by the Sungura community and the wider music industry.
“By recognising the value of his creative work, Tatenda wisely registered with ZIMURA to ensure the protection and management of his intellectual property and copyright.
“His foresight also extended to his family, as he understood that his registration would provide continued benefits for his dependents long after he is gone,” said Gwenzi.
“As a registered ZIMURA member, Tatenda was entitled to benefits, including a free funeral policy through their partnership with Nyaradzo Funeral Services. ZIMURA is currently assisting Tatenda’s family during this difficult time, providing support that includes a casket, transportation to Mutoko for the burial, a tent, and essential groceries.”
ZICCO Chief Executive Officer Tafadzwa Masembura, whose association provided transportation and refreshments, noted that Pinjisi’s death brought together various stakeholders.
His association also provided transport for mourners in solidarity as a way of honouring musicians. “We have organised a team that has already mobilised musicians without transportation to get help from us.
“Transportation is free for our members and those from other royalty-collecting associations in Zimbabwe. Transport will be available at our Harare offices and is meant for all musicians willing to travel to Mutoko to bury our brother Tatenda Pinjisi,” emphasized Masembura.
He praised musicians for supporting each other during these challenging times and vowed to contribute to Pinjisi’s burial.
“We will also provide refreshments, ensuring he benefits from us. As ZICCO, we always stand with other musicians and royalty collectors during such trying times. We even offer support to those who are not our members because we want the industry to grow,” he emphasised.
Scores of musicians and fans have expressed their desire to give the “Saina” hit-maker a fitting send-off.
The talented composer, choreographer, and entrepreneur will be best remembered for his creativity as a sungura game-changer of his generation. He defied odds by experimenting with new beats to develop his own sound.
Locally, he commanded a huge following, and many international tours were on the horizon before his untimely death, according to Pinjisi’s camp. Tatenda Pinjisi will be buried today in Kahwa Village, Mutoko.
Pinjisi is survived by three sons.
Mathew Masinge