Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MUTARE-BASED sungura musician Brian “Samaita” Runganga says he still cherishes the teachings and wisdom of the late Esther Mhurai Zengeya, the mother of the late Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo.
She died on January 28 in Zhombe, aged 94.
Known affectionately as Gogo Chihera, Samaita considered her a mother figure due to his close relationship with her late son, Tongai.
This bond extended to Samaita’s mentorship role, where he even hosted Tongai’s son, Obert, as he learnt the ropes of the music industry.
Reflecting on Gogo Chihera’s life, Samaita noted she was a wellspring of knowledge.
“When she died early this year, I was touched by her loss, while at the same time celebrating a life well-lived,” he stressed.
He shared that their relationship was forged through wonderful shared moments and experiences.
“Since I was close to her late son Tongai, I treated her as my mother, and I will always cherish the good times we had together,” he revealed.
“She was a unifier, counsellor, and family builder who loved everyone around her.
“She had a way of whipping us into line, and with her wisdom, we gained a lot. It is my wish that her legacy lives on for future generations to come.”
In remembering her legacy, Samaita urged the Moyo family to celebrate Gogo Chihera.
“We appreciate the time God granted us with our mother. Instead of mourning, we celebrated the long life He gave her, though we wished she could stay with us forever. We understand that God had a new assignment for her.”
He also highlighted the importance of family unity, a value that Gogo Chihera upheld during her lifetime. “Like any other family, I firmly believe the Moyo family has elders whose role is to unite them and carry on the teachings advocated by Gogo Chihera and Tongai.”Samaita also encouraged the elders within the Moyo family to embody the generosity and love shown by Gogo Chihera.
“We must impart her good deeds to future generations. We don’t want Gogo Chihera and Tongai Moyo to be turning and twisting in their graves.”
He urged Tongai’s children to remain united, offering them his support during this difficult time.
“I will always be available for them if they need anything from me,” he affirmed.
The legacy of Gogo Chihera serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
As Samaita reflects on the values she instilled, he hopes to carry those lessons forward.
In honouring her memory, the commitment to maintaining family bonds and nurturing future generations becomes paramount.
Whether through shared stories or music that echoes her spirit, the essence of Gogo Chihera will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Turning to his late friend Tongai, who died on October 15, 2011, aged 43, Samaita said there was never a dull moment between them.
“I miss the jokes we shared whenever we were driving together.
“Tongai liked Mai Charamba’s songs, and we would play them on repeat. It was fun because we all played sungura, but when driving, it was gospel,” recalled Samaita.
He said his wish was to see Tongai’s children united and to emulate the Chimbetus. “Blood is thicker than water; they should embrace each other like the Chimbetus. The Chimbetus are united, and you hardly hear about feuding among the children. I think they have a special way of addressing their issues, if there are any.”
He added:
“I am happy that Obert, whom I once looked after, is now a grown man standing on his own; he calls me now and then to check on me. He is now a man, and I am happy for him. My wish is to see him grow and mature as a musician.”
He, however, conceded that the death of his own parents in recent years had put everything on hold.
“I had taken a sabbatical after losing my parents, but a new album is coming. To be honest, the death of my parents affected me, but I will release something later this year. Provisionally, we want to release it in June.”
To date, Samaita has seven albums to his credit. These include “Nemiwo Munazvo” released in 2011, “Murodzi Wepfungwa” (2013), “Tsono” (2015), “Rinoonekwa Nemavanga” (2016), Mumazivandadzoka” (2017), “Ndafunga Dembo” (2019), and “Kwaive Kusaziva” (2021). Samaita, who is set to release his eighth album in winter after a five-year hiatus, believes old and new fans will embrace him.
The singer, who has interests in the transport business and God’s ministry, has vowed to continue working hard and inspire future generations.
“As a torch-bearer in sungura, especially in the Eastern Highlands along with Hosiah Chipanga, we are determined to make an impression in this sector. We will continue working hard until we reach there,” he assured sungura lovers.
