Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TWENTY seven years after his death, System Tazvida remains a name that refuses to fade from Zimbabwe’s music memory.
For thousands of sungura fans, February 4 is not just another date on the calendar — it is the day the music stopped, the voice went silent, and a giant fell.
Tazvida died on February 4, 1999, at just 31.
The creator of Simple Music of Original Kanindo (Smoko) and leader of the legendary Chazezesa Challengers died at a time when he was beginning to dominate the scene.
This year, he would have turned 58.
His songs still echo in commuter omnibuses, beerhalls, homes and family gatherings.
His widow, Barbara Mabuyaye, says time has not erased the pain.
“Sometimes I feel like he will come back and be with me, giving me true love.
“I will always miss the quality time we spent together and all those memories we created as husband and wife.
“I have accepted the fact that I am a widow, but I need to work because tears won’t put food on the table.
“Though the wound is still fresh, I find relief because System taught me to work hard.
“I buy and sell things like most ladies out there, and I don’t regret it because I am not begging like many widows.”
She credits Tazvida for empowering her financially while he was still alive.
“I learned a lot from Tazvida, who used to give me money to run my business.
“He earned well but, as his wife, I had to contribute by working for myself and playing my part.”
Even in death, Tazvida continues to provide.
Mabuyaye revealed that royalties from his music still help her survive.
“My husband worked hard and I can safely say I am still surviving on some of the royalties I receive.
“I’m not sure how they calculate them, but I am just content with what I have because I also work for myself.”
Band members such as Leeroy Kamusena, Isaac Tazvida and the late Peter tried to keep the flame alive, but the absence of their leader proved too heavy a burden.
One of the most painful blows came in 2011 when key band member Lucky Mumriki suffered a stroke.
“It still pains me each time we mark his anniversary because we came a long way,” Mumriki said last year.
“We met in 1990 at Sungura Boys, led by the late Ephraim Joe. I was the youngest in the band, but I was determined to learn the ropes under his guidance.
“We worked there for three years but I left Sungura Boys with System Tazvida to form our own band.”
