Rest in Peace Cde Chinx

Nkululeko Nkala

This week saw the passing on of legendary musician Dickson Chingaira Makoni popularly known as Cde Chinx.

The musician passed on after a long illness but his voice will forever be remembered. His songs will forever live on.

He told many stories, mostly of the liberation struggle. So let me boldly say, a national hero has passed on.

Remembered for his hit tracks Vanhu Vose Vemu Africa and Roger Confirm, the musician is one of the few that declared their allegiance to an ideology and lived off it. Chinx was actively part of the liberation struggle and was one of the leading front men with the likes of Tambaoga when it came to the Third Chimurenga.

They made people love the land reform songs, their faces are forever engraved in our hearts and minds for they showed us that music is a powerful tool that can win wars. So cheers to Chinx for his efforts during and after the liberation struggle. I wish it was a given that his kind where automatic national heroes.

I am glad though that even if it was a little late Zima managed to come through with their pledge for his house. People who contribute that much for a country should live happily ever after. Please note I am not comparing, but do you know that Kirsty Coventry has a diplomatic passport?

When our Golden girl brought us gold we showered her with gifts including a Mercedes Benz.

Do you remember Simon Choppa Chimbetu and Solomon Skuza? Serious legends who sang for our independence and sang even more after we attained Independence. What does it take to be recognised if you are a creative, I wonder? Majaivana once sang that ngingaze ngiye e mazweni , ngenze kanjani abangifuni mina. That guy was a prophet.

If it was in another country I can guarantee there would be a biography for the legendary Chinx or better yet a movie about his exploits. A lot goes into what these heroes go through but unfortunately they die with their stories, never to be told again. Systems do not help either, we are still considered entertainment and not a business or industry. I am certain some people argue how an entertainer should be recognised at national level. .