Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu and Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Writers
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the music community is grappling with the sudden loss of gospel artiste Eric Moyo. The former member of the Joyous Celebration Choir passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 41 after collapsing on stage in Port Elizabeth last week.
Celebrated for his remarkable vocal talent and winning the M-Net East and Southern Africa Idols contest in 2008, Moyo had a promising career that touched hearts locally and continentally. For his exploits at the regional competition, the Jesu Akandinakira singer got a US$80 000 cash prize and a recording deal with Sony BMG worth US$25 000. Alongside artistes like Ammara Brown, Adeona Maboreke and Mkhululi Bhebhe, Moyo proudly represented Zimbabwe in the competition held in Nairobi, Kenya, setting the stage for a distinguished career.
Unknown to him, his trajectory soared as he joined the influential gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration Choir and co-established the gospel group Vocal Extraordinairé (Vocal Ex) in 2013 with Mkhululi Bhebhe and Thembelani Theodore Mdlaziba (with whom they used to sing together at church during their high school days).
Eric with Lindelani MkhizeColleagues, including Mdlaziba expressed their grief, remembering Moyo as a mentor and friend.
“We met about 20 years or so years ago at church. My first impressions of him were of a smart guy. He loved suits (always smiling) and he was a good soccer player too, but boy could he sing! It was clear even back then that he carried a voice that would ultimately be celebrated by nations. It was a voice that took attention.
“He was that good. His gift was obvious and so unique. He was a great person beyond being the great musician he was,” recounted Mdlaziba.
He described how ambitious they were as they staged their first concert as Vocal Ex in October 2013.
“We were very ambitious, talented but inexperienced. We didn’t care about much, all we wanted was to sing. It is all we ever thought about. We booked the City Hall, put up posters and we did it. Our parents supported us a lot. It is a blessing to think of that time. It has since created a lot of many more memories that we will forever cherish.”
Mdlaziba said from when they were younger to date, Eric never changed who he was.
“I watched him a lot on TV, live stages, and we shared the stage as well, yet, he always remained the simple person he always was when we first met. I met a lot of great people and musicians because of him.
“We shared a lot of memories on and off stage and he taught me a lot musically as I got a lot of support from him. He’s a friend who would create time for me, and also pull strings for me. I could say a whole lot more as we have too many memories. I feel blessed to have had a friend like him,” shared Mdlaziba.
As condolences continue to pour in, Joyous Celebration Choir released a statement on Wednesday expressing grief at losing the tenor singer.
“As a tenor singer, Eric brought joy to many through his electrifying performances and unique songs. He was a snazzy dresser of note. His energy was unmatched.
“His untimely passing will leave a deep void in the Joyous family. His legacy will live on through his music, which touched the hearts of many and made a significant contribution to the gospel music genre . . . Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends throughout this difficult time,” wrote Joyous Celebration.
Gospel musician, Everton Mlalazi hailed Eric as a “gentle giant.”
“We have lost a gentle giant in Eric. He was soft spoken, helpful, kind, loving and also very talented. I am at a loss of words as he had so much to offer the world of music. May the Holy Spirit comfort his family and the gospel industry during this difficult time,” Mlalazi said.
Siza Mdlongwa, who once had a stint with Vocal Ex, said it was a priceless moment working with Eric.
“I met Eric at Family of God church some time ago. He was a great guy, very unselfish. He would share with you music ideas and help you become better. As a singer, he was a vocal beast.
“The best moments working with him were at Vocal Ex, especially at rehearsal rooms and the stage. I will miss hearing a new song from such a great voice and his steadfastness on Barcelona soccer team debates,” said Mdlongwa.
Comedian and gospel fanatic Nceku said he met Eric around 2009 in church. He said Eric eventually became one of his mentors when he started showing interest in singing.
“Musically, he was more than a genius, a musical maestro! As a person I would say he was selfless. With all the fame, he shared his musical knowledge and life lessons with us wholeheartedly. The best moments for me were every rehearsal. He was a well of wisdom musically and as a leader,” Nceku said.
Gospel musician Takesure Zamar Ncube said he is heartbroken.
“Just last week, Eric Moyo and I talked about prayer. He was headed to Namibia when we met at OR Tambo Airport. I had no idea that would be our last discussion. I did highlight that becoming famous is less important than growing closer to Jesus Christ via prayer. He said he would visit my residence, but sadly, he is gone . . . I’m heart broken,” Ncube posted on his Facebook page.
Moyo’s influence was not only felt in the gospel circuit, but permeated through diverse genres with influencer, Madam Boss (real name Tarisai Cleopatra Munetsiwa) saying death has stolen a brother from her. A family spokesperson said the family is still coming to terms with Moyo’s death.
“This death came as a shock to us and we are at a great loss. We’d like to ask to be given privacy at this trying time. We will furnish the media with relevant information as far as his repatriation and burial is concerned in due course.” – @MbuleloMpofu/ @mthabisi_mthire
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