adminTHERE was a sombre atmosphere at the burial of celebrated music and football great, Tymon “The White horse” Mabaleka last Thursday.
At his final place of rest — West Park Cemetery, Sunday Leisure caught up with artistes and persons who worked with him in his illustrious career and they described him as a pillar of strength whose relationship with them was not only professional but personal. They expessed grief at his untimely death. All of them concurred that the man fought a good fight as he rendered his services selflessly.
Emmanuel Vori managing director – Zimbabwe Music Corporation
There are household names across all genres like Leonard Zhakata, Ngwenya Brothers, Mbira Dzenharira, MUMC, Solomon and Chase Skuza, Magwaza, Thandabantu and many others who have passed through the hands of this man and it’s such a great loss for us because Mabaleka was a man with a heart for what he did.
He would sacrifice his time to work with artistes even after hours — it was only on Saturday on his Sabbath that he was not available — but even so, he would entertain artistes after his Sabbath break at 6pm. He helped artistes more than musically. He helped guys like Andy Brown, John Chibadura, Tedious Matsito to buy houses. He was an advisor of sorts, not just your typical producer. Look, we had him for 39 years in the company and you can just imagine how much of a loss this is today.
Leonard Zhakata
musician, worked with Mabaleka at ZMC on 11 of his 19 albums
I am what I am because of the man we are gathered to pay our last respects to. He has walked with me and helped me in such great ways. What stood out about him was that with him it was more than just about music in the studio. He would advise me and all other people he worked with. Even where I am now in my Christian walk is because of men like him — he always reminded me that fame would come but I have to always fear the Lord. It’s a tragedy to lose such a man. I am saddened and deeply hurt.
Ezra Tshisa Sibanda former radio DJ
Mabaleka was one of my great critics in my pristine days as a youngster on radio — his input has been so valuable in my life as he helped me to improve in my trade. I was very young then and to me he has always been a father figure. His contribution to the music industry in Zimbabwe cannot be paralleled. Having produced records for some of the greats in this country, it is a sad loss indeed.
Thandazani Dhlamini (Mlangeni Brothers) musician
This man was poised to raise and create a platform for artistes from this side of the country (Matabeleland). The Wednesday before he passed we worked on my album which was set to be released last Monday. I am saddened by the loss of such a great man. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Sotsha Moyo, Black Umfolosi musician
We have lost an icon in Zimbabwean music. He never produced a record for us but we always went to him for input. For one particular album we wanted to record with him, we ended up recording it overseas and he had input on how best we could do it there. He had such an ear for music — he knew what would capture the audience and what would not and he was honest about it. It’s a sad day in the music industry today.
Obadiah Matulana musician
My first hit, Divorce number 1 back in 1988 was produced by Mabaleka. He was instrumental in raising us up as artistes from Bulawayo because he understood the language of our music more than anyone else. We as artistes from this region are saddened. The void he left will be very difficult to fill. May his soul rest in peace.
Online Reporter