Prince Tendai dies

His spokesperson, Joe Local Nyamungoma confirmed his death.
“Yes, it’s true Mukoma Prince passed on today (yesterday) at 3. 30 am on his way to hospital after his condition deteriorated.  He had arrived from China on Tuesday after almost six months receiving medication there,” said Nyamungoma.

Mupfurutsa first made waves in the 90’s as producer and musician with his label High Density Studios
His popular hits include November Rain, Zimbolicious, Character, Chipo Babe, Kuyaura Mapere Nemazizi, Zambara, a Nyanja song and Forward Zimbabwe.
He was unwell over the past few months and had been to China to seek treatment for the condition that had affected his speech and arm movement.

Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing
Mupfurutsa was one of the first promoters in the country to take the initiative of hosting foreign artistes and he brought in R&B singer Akon and dancehall star Sean Paul to Harare for a concert.
Mupfurutsa’s life took a turn after he was involved in a car accident in September last year, which affected his mobility and speech.

There have been rumours that his poor health had been triggered by the losses he incurred after hosting the international music stars but he vehemently denied this.
Last August there were also rumours that Mupfurutsa had passed on.

Before leaving for China early this year he had unveiled a new album titled Something Mysterious narrating his ordeal.   It has new songs and a number of yesteryear hits. He is survived by seven children and mourners  are gathered at number 4 Warwick Breystone Park in Borrowdale.

He is expected to be laid to rest at his rural home in Magunje, Mashonaland West province on Saturday.
The year 2011 has been a bad year for the local arts industry as a number of veteran musicians such as sungura kingpin Tongai Moyo, Cephas Mashakada, mbira virtuoso Adam Chisvo, Alick Mafu and Umdumo Wesizwe anchor Mqoqi ‘Mxhe’ Nkomo passed on during the year.