dyton mupawaenda
Fred Nyakudanga-Arts Correspondent
Sungura musician Tatenda Pinjisi was given a huge send-off yesterday at his rural home in Mutoko.
He passed away on Sunday at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital after sustaining multiple fractures from an accident last week on Friday while on his way to a show in Kadoma.
The accident, which occurred after the Norton Tollgate last week, claimed the lives of two band members and a female passenger.
Following his death, tributes poured in for Pinjisi, whose real name was Tatenda Proud Kahwa.
He was 34.
Pinjisi’s burial was attended by mourners from all walks of life, who gathered in Kahwa Village to honour his talent, recognising how he put Mutoko on the world map through his exceptional abilities.
Mourners hailed him as a creative genius destined for greatness. Notable attendees included award-winning music promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, philanthropist Wanisayi “Mahwindo” Mutandwa, King David (formerly Baba Harare), Tendai Dembo, and Pastor Charles Charamba. Fellow musicians such as Mupositiro Muchetu, Ammi Jamanda, Percy Masendeke, Chikomana Shaddy, Biggers Wakapihwa, and Wabvuwi were also in attendance.
Family spokesperson Howard Pinjisi, a cousin of the late musician, thanked various stakeholders for making the burial worthwhile.
“We are grateful to all the people who supported us. The event went according to plan. It was encouraging to see people from all walks of life coming to support us,” he stressed.
Chipaz, who was a father figure to Pinjisi, shared his thoughts on behalf of arts promoters.
“The programme went smoothly, and as promoters, we did our part.
“We have assisted the bereaved families with two beasts and 100 kg of mealie meal during this time of mourning. We urge the family to find comfort from the Lord during these trying times.”
Pastor Charamba, who also hails from Mudzi near Mutoko in Mashonaland East, urged mourners to turn to God and excel.
“Real talent like this comes from God, which is every reason why we should place our faith in Jesus,” Charamba said in his address.
Representatives from two royalties collection societies — Zimbabwe Music Rights Association and Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights — along with fellow musicians and fans, joined to pay their last respects in Kahwa Village.
ZIMURA was represented by vice chairperson First Farai and other staff members.
ZICCO board member Tendai Chiraya, who attended the burial, was moved by the solidarity shown by various stakeholders in music.
“Tatenda Pinjisi was a man of the people, judging by the attendance at his burial today. He loved his music, and we hope his family finds the comfort they deserve,” he said.
The day began on a poignant note at Kahwa Village in Katsukunya, where friends, family, and music enthusiasts gathered to pay their last respects to the singer.
The event was filled with music and dance, as Talking Guitars took to the stage, performing renditions from various bands. They were joined by notable musicians, including Mupositiro Muchetu, Ammi Jamanda, Percy Masendeke, Chikomana Shaddy, Biggers Wakapihwa, Baba Charamba, and Wabvuwi. Itai Chitewe, a mentor to Pinjisi, delivered an uplifting performance that helped ease the grieving and somber mood gripping the village.
Musician and event management guru Sarah Dee followed with an emotional tribute through energetic dances.
Solidarity was on display, with notable figures like King David, Chipaz, Mahwindo, ZIMURA staff, ZICCO representatives, and Pastor Charamba present. The event was well-attended, with villagers and people from all walks of life coming together to pay their respects to Pinjisi, who was widely regarded as a talented individual.
Pinjisi will be best remembered for his 2015 hit “Saina” from his debut album “Rumbidzo,” which catapulted him to acclaim.
He was hailed as a peace-loving musician who got along well with other artists of his generation.
The outpouring of love and support at his funeral is a testament to the impact he had on those who knew him and his music.
He is survived by three sons.
Bongani Ndlovu