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Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
PEOPLE from all over Zimbabwe have described the death of mbira songstress Chiwoniso Maraire as tragic and a loss to the music fraternity.
Social network sites were awash with condolence messages with Zimbabweans at home and abroad expressing shock at Maraire’s sudden death.
Maraire succumbed to pneumonia at South Medical Hospital in Chitungwiza on Wednesday evening. The 37-year-old musician had been admitted with a lung infection 10 days before.
Tributes to the late musician from fellow artistes, as well as music fans were awash on social media a few hours after news of the untimely death of the talented musician broke.
Jazz musician, Josh Meck, described Maraire as one of the few artistes who had love and was willing to share the stage with other artistes.
“I remember whenever we had a show with Chiwoniso, be it a big show in Europe or anywhere, she would force me to sing one of my songs during her performance. She loved my song Wanetsa and to tell you the truth she is the only artiste whom I know who was so free to share her stage with others. She was full of love and one of her popular statements all the time was ‘mazirudo’.
“I will greatly miss you Chiwoniso. Gone too soon.You are truly a legend…You were a special gift to this world. Your music will live on forever. RIP,” wrote Meck.
Selmor Mtukudzi wrote on her Facebook page: “Hameno Mwari band rakapenga ravarikugadzira kudenga uko (God must be lining up a great band in heaven) it seems he is only picking the most gifted artistes. I wonder what this says about those of us remaining. Rest in peace Chi, say hie to Sam…,” she wrote.
Willis Wattaffi described Chi, as she was affectionately known in the music circles, as a great woman.
“The great conversations and laughs, sometimes subtle, the collaboration we always intended to do, the dreams fulfilled and unfulfilled, the hearts broken and lives you changed, you have departed from this world, but we join in remembrance and celebration of a world changer.
This morning is a sad morning after, true as it still may be, we accept because it’s never up to us to keep you here, we keep you eternally in our hearts, Rest in eternal peace Chiwoniso Maraire.You are one woman who stood up when it mattered the most, this is a message from Qaya Rootz to a world that mourns,” wrote Wattaffi.
A close friend and organiser of the Chimanimani Arts Festival, Chido Musasiwa, said burial arrangements were yet to be finalised as they were still waiting for United States-based familiy members.
“We are meeting later on today with her aunts to work on the burial arrangements after we have confirmed flights for her daughter Chengeto and sister Tawona who are both in the US,” said Musasiwa.
She said Chi was admitted to hospital 10 days ago and was about to be transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The mbira exponent was born in Olympia, United States, in 1976.
She was the daughter of renowned Zimbabwean mbira player and teacher Dumisani Maraire and moved to Zimbabwe when she was seven years old.
Maraire’s first album Ancient Voices in 1998, undoutedly one of her best albums on which she worked with her late ex-husband Andy Brown, consisted of a fusion of blues, jazz, rap, reggae and rhythms from Zimbabwe and brought international acclaim to mbira music.
Some of her popular hits are Nhemamusasa, Amai, Rebel Woman, Wandirasa and Ivai Nesu, among others.
Maraire was the guest artiste at the Intwasa Festival koBulawayo in 2011 where she put up a top class performance.
Her last performance in Bulawayo was at Jock and Saddle where she celebrated her 36th birthday.
She is survived by two daughters Chengeto and Chiedza whom she sired with Brown.
Mourners are gathered at Maraire’s house number 19 Campelpown Road Bluffhill.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo