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Mkhululi Ncube and Bongani Ndlovu in Tsholotsho
AT exactly 11.15am yesterday, the casket carrying the body of the late provincial hero and rhumba ace Elvis “MaEli” Mathe sunk into the grave, closing a week-long mourning period which started on Saturday with his passing on.
His guitar was also lowered to the grave. Thousands of the group’s fans from both within and outside the country attended the burial, which saw fellow artistes do an all-night music vigil at the homestead of the late musician at Magabelana Village in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North province.
Hundreds of cars and five Zupco buses donated by Government, transported the fans for the burial which was largely a celebration of an impactful life cut short at just 31 years old. MaEli died after a horrific car accident, which also claimed the life of the band’s drummer Thembikosi “Maviri” Mpofu and left co-band leader Meluleki “Brema” Moyo nursing a broken leg in three places.
As the casket of MaEli was lowered down, the track Insika from his last album Umshosha Phansi bellowed from the PA system signing off the heartbreaking week for many rhumba fans.
When it was time for body viewing, the atmosphere turned sombre as thousands of people snaked their way to pay their last respects to the late King NdodoFly. People cried, others were in shock while others could not bear to look at MaEli as he lay lifeless in his black casket that had a Fabiani flag imprinted on it.
When it was the family’s turn, MaEli’s widow Fidress Ncube wailed uncontrollably as the painful reality of the final separation through death moment with her husband of two sons had come. MaEli’s family members were equally distraught, and upon seeing their sibling, some fell down and had to be picked up by relatives.
Artistes such as Chase Skuza, Godolude, Obadiah Mathulana, Mxolisi Mr Bones, Prefect “Tsheba” Vundla and Mcebisi Mlilo of Amathonga Amahle Brothers were pallbearers, carrying the casket from the bottom to the stage.
They handed over the body to members of the Zimbabwe National Army who took it to the grave. Before MaEli was lowered into his final resting place, a three-gun salute was fired in an honour for his provincial hero status.
On Friday, a funeral procession was held in Bulawayo that brought the city to a standstill, while the service was moving in front of a packed Bulawayo Amphitheatre. Thereafter, a procession left Bulawayo and arrived in Tsholotsho on Friday evening, which also brought the town to a standstill. At night, a vigil was held for Insimbi ZeZhwane rhumba music outfit co-founder MaEli at his homestead koMagabelana.
Various bands lit up the stage as they celebrated MaEli’s life tragically cut short last Saturday. It was the night of dance and song with special mention to Godolude and EzeEnergy band for a well-choreographed performance that left many spellbound.
The festivities were held until the break of dawn with Clement Magwaza performing one song to make the start of the burial programme.
With many fearing that the death of MaEli will spell the end of Insimbi Zezhwane, band manager Bahlano “SaGqu” Sibanda and some band members assured them that the band will not die and will continue the work.
“We are heartbroken and devastated with MaEli’s death. Im proud of the honour bestowed on him of being a Provincial Hero.
The thousands of people who attended his send off is testimony enough of his great work.
“He was multi-talented and a hardworking person,” said SaGqu.
He said in honour of MaEli they would suspend recordings this year.
John ‘‘John Master’’ Luphahla promised that they would continue the legacy, and Insimbi ZeZhwane would not die.
Zinjaziyamluma recounted to the mourners what transpired from the time he got the sad news of the accident.
He revealed that while travelling to St Luke’s Hospital, he was also involved in an accident.
“Before I got to St Luke’s Hospital, I hit a tree, and my car window and side mirror were damaged. It could have been worse, but I had to reach the hospital to check on the boys. When I got there, the situation was grim, and MaEli had already died. Hospital staff showed me his lifeless body and for sure he had died.”
He encouraged the surviving members to soldier on. Zinjaziyamluma appealed to Tsholotsho town in particular and Matabeleland North Province in general to honour MaEli by naming a street, stadium or neighbourhood after him.
While kneeling, Ward 9 councillor and Tsholotsho Town Council chairperson, Cde Esau Siwela hailed Kingdom Blue for giving MaEli a high-class burial even though he was not a member. He said such locally owned companies should be supported by everyone in the community. Tsholotsho North National Assembly representative who is also the Minister of State in Vice-President, Constantino Chiwenga’s Office Brigadier-General (Retired) Sibangumuzi Khumalo said; “The honour given to MaEli must spur us to work hard and produce more good works from Tsholotsho. We must develop our respective areas in Tsholotsho working together as a unit,” said Brigadier-General (Rtd) Khumalo.
Matabeleland North Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo challenged artistes to take their craft seriously. He said age was not a consideration under the Second Republic for one to be conferred the honour of a hero.
“Government does not consider your age, as long as you do works that unite the nation and being on national duty,
Government will honour you. MaEli was not going for a private show, he was on national duty and died while going there. He had not charged the Government, he was going to perform for free and the Government would have thanked him with what they have. So, he deserves to be a hero,” said Minister Moyo.
He said MaEli’s influence transcended the borders of the country.
“His songs were played all over the world. There are Zimbabweans in England and all over who are playing his songs and non-Zimbabweans would ask who’s this musician and they will be told he’s from Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe, that’s why he is a hero today. Isicoco lesi badala, asose dollar for two,” said Minister Moyo.
“To you artistes, the Government of President Mnangagwa loves you. Be coordinated and you will be fully supported and nothing will come about if there’s disunity among you. Government listens to people who are united and speak in one voice,” said Minister Moyo.
He said Maviri was also accorded the same status and would be buried today in Bulawayo. Minister Moyo urged fellow artistes to hold an annual gala in honour of MaEli.
Online Reporter