Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IMAGINE visiting the graves of Zimbabwean music legends Leonard Dembo, John Chibadura, and Soul Jah Love, scanning a QR code on their tombstones and instantly accessing their biographies and rare photographs
That futuristic concept is set to become a reality ahead of the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, thanks to celebrity tombstone designer Tendai Mbofana of Ngoda Granites, who is using technology to preserve the legacies of some of Zimbabwe’s greatest entertainers.
Mbofana believes the country’s creative icons deserve to be remembered accurately and that technology offers a lasting way to ensure future generations can learn about their contributions. Having previously donated state-of-the-art tombstones for the late sungura legend John Chibadura and Zimdancehall icon Soul Jah Love, while also refurbishing Dembo’s gravesite in Chaka, Mvuma, Mbofana is now taking his tribute a step further by installing QR codes on their tombstones.
He said the initiative would allow visitors to scan the codes with their mobile phones and instantly access authentic information about the departed stars, including their biographies and photographs
“I have noted that Zimbabwe’s creative community has immense talent, and it would be unfortunate for those of us who are inspired by the sector not to invest in it,” Mbofana told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“I am one of the people who draw inspiration from creatives and influencers in my work.
“I have built good relationships with the families of departed icons, and I will do my best to honour them in a unique way ahead of the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.
“I have been refurbishing gravesites and donating tombstones to departed arts legends. This year, my focus is on installing free QR codes on their graves so that people can learn more about their lives and legacies.”
Mbofana said it was important for Zimbabweans to access authentic information about influential personalities, including artistes, athletes, and other national icons.
“As you know, QR codes last for years, and the information can always be updated,” he said.
Explaining why he chose to begin with Dembo, Chibadura, and Soul Jah Love, Mbofana said time constraints prevented him from covering more graves before the holidays.
“To be honest, I would have loved to do more, but with the limited time before the Heroes holidays, I can only manage these three, although there are plans to expand the project.
“Leonard Dembo has always been on my mind, and I am grateful that his family has permitted us to install the QR code on his grave.
“We will also spruce up the gravesite so that people visiting Chaka can simply scan the QR code with their phones and access everything they need to know about Dembo.”
Mbofana also commended Chibadura’s family for allowing him to give the late Tembo Brothers founder’s gravesite a fresh look.
“I have remained in touch with the family since we donated the tombstone earlier this year.
“However, I felt I could do even more by installing a QR code so that his fans can learn about his history, his music, and where he came from.” For Soul Jah Love, who was declared a liberation hero and is buried at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare, Mbofana stated that he was in the final stages of discussions with the relevant authorities to install a free Wi-Fi router, making it easier for fans to access the QR code.
“Everything is in place to ensure we install the QR code before the Heroes holidays.
“It would be wonderful to see former colleagues and genuine fans visiting Soul Jah Love’s gravesite to understand more about his remarkable life.
“In this age of technology, life has become much simpler, and this is exactly the kind of innovation we have been looking forward to.”
John Chibadura’s son, Simbarashe, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help preserve his father’s legacy.
“We welcome the move as a family and have given them the green light to proceed. My father was a legend, and we appreciate efforts to ensure future generations continue to learn about him.” Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub can also confirm that Mbofana enjoys cordial relations with the families of Dembo, Chibadura, and Soul Jah Love following his previous work on their gravesites.
If successfully implemented, the project could usher in a new era of preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, ensuring that even in death, the country’s legendary musicians continue to educate and inspire generations through the touch of a smartphone.
