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Showbiz Correspondent
FORMER Ilanga lead guitarist Rodger Mbambo who died on Sunday will be buried today at Luveve Cemetery in Bulawayo. Mbambo (59) died at his family home in Makokoba after a long illness.
Family spokesperson Brian Chiromo said his uncle’s church service would be held this morning at Family Funeral Services (along 4th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo) in the city.
“The service will be held at 10:30AM at the funeral parlour. After speakers give their words of encouragement, the funeral procession will head to Luveve Cemetery for burial,” said Chiromo.
Mbambo, who had been ill for some time, died on Sunday afternoon after having drifted in and out of consciousness. He is survived by his wife, daughter and granddaughter.
The talented artiste, who started playing the guitar when he was 10 years old, began his professional music career when he joined Bulawayo jazz group Eye of Liberty in 80s. After a brief stint there, Mbambo moved to Harare where he joined Ilanga in 1986. The highly successful group comprised Andy Brown, Don Gumbo (both late) and Busi Ncube.
After three years, the group split and Mbambo left with Busi Ncube when she formed Rain. He played with her for 12 years until she left for overseas in 2001. Thereafter, he worked as a session guitarist with notable musicians such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Dino Mudondo and Andy Brown.-Twitter @bonganinkunzi
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