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Arts Correspondents
Sungura musician Daiton Somanje, who died on Tuesday in Harare after battling meningitis, will be buried this afternoon at Marondera Cemetery in Marondera.A family spokesperson said the burial would be after midday in the musician’s hometown.
Mourners are gathered at 1304 Museve Road in Rusike, Marondera.
The musician’s body left Harare yesterday afternoon for his Marondera house.
In Harare scores of people including celebrities attended the musician’s funeral in Dzivaresekwa as condolence messages continued pouring from various players in the arts industry.
Various arts groups described him as a great musician whose works will always be remembered.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe through their official Facebook page wrote: “National Arts Council of Zimbabwe expresses its sincere condolences to the Somanje family, the arts fraternity and the nation at large on the passing on of a talented musician Daiton Somanje on Tuesday 7th April 2015.
“The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe will always cherish his contributions in the music industry, particularly in sungura. Indeed, the arts industry has been robbed of a talented artiste.”
The Zimbabwe Music Awards also posted on their official Facebook page: “ Zimbabweans woke up today (yesterday) to the sad news of the passing on of veteran musician Daiton Somanje.
Daiton, together with his brother Josphat founded the hit group Pengaudzoke which became famous for hit songs such as “Seiko Kuonda” and “Zvibate Pamhaka” and later “Tsaona”.
“Daiton’s death is indeed a major blow to the music fraternity and the nation as a whole. Our deepest condolences go out to Josphat, the Somanje family and fans of the Pengaudzoke movement.”
Zimbabwe Music Rights Association events manager Climate Munikwa said the music industry has been robbed.
“Our deepest condolence goes to the Somanje family following the loss of Daiton a musician who was dedicated to his work,” he said.
Marondera music promoter Daniel Masaiti said they have lost a hero from Mashonaland East whose music appealed to all ages.
“This is a sad loss to the whole province. He was our own hero whose works will always be remembered and we are hopeful that his brother Josphat will keep the Pengaudzoke legacy alive,” said Masaiti.
He appealed to the people from Marondera and the nation at large to come and pay their last respect to the musician today.
Popular promoter Patson Chimbodza said there was need to celebrate his life.
“It’s God’s decision so we need to celebrate the legacy he left behind,” he said.
Biggie Chinoperekwei of Devine Assignments said he has worked with the musician for a long time.
“I worked with him on several occasions and he was an understanding musician. This is a great loss to the music fraternity,” he said.
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