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Simba Mudzingwa the family man

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
The body of the late traditional musician Simbarashe Mudzingwa, who died in the United Kingdom on Friday, is expected in the country for burial this week.

According to his former wife, Mudzingwa died in hospital in Swansea of an undisclosed illness in his UK base.

He is survived by three children, a son he had with partner Kayleigh Goodier and two older boys by former musician and ex-wife Rhoda Tongogara.

Mudzingwa played with Hohodza, a band formed in 1992 by Portia Gwanzura who is also based in UK.

Mudzingwa was the lead vocalist, mbira and keyboard player for Hohodza together with Aluwis Machapo (lead guitar), John Nyahodya (drummer), Patrick Nyakudya (bass guitar, keyboards), Innocent Jack Farai (mbira, percussion), Lloyd Mapfumo (percussion, king dancer), Jane Josiah (backing vocals, dancer) and Lena Mandizera (backing vocals, dancer).

He is famed for his traditional music that saw him recording hits such as “Chinyakare Makaisepi”, “Dzorai Moyo” and “Take Sure”.

But more importantly Simba Mudzingwa is credited with having “discovered” Progress Chipfumo, backed his incorporation into Hohodza and mentored the now famous musician.

Efforts to get a comment from Chipfumo were fruitless as his mobile went unanswered yesterday afternoon.

Social media platforms were awash with condolence and farewell messages from those who knew and worked with Simba.

“I would like to thank family, friends, and most importantly, all our fans around the world for all the support. Simba was a father, a son, a brother, a friend, my right hand man and a LEGEND!!!” wrote fellow musician Portia Gwanzura on her Facebook wall.

“Simbarashe Mudzingwa you have left a big hole in my heart it’s going too take a long time to get over this. You are forever in my thoughts, love you too pieces.

“ It’s all a dream right at this moment. Just wishing in my own head I will come out of this dream and life will be the same. I will look after Tinashe and the others for you. I’’m trying my best to keep strong for Tinashe you will always be looking down on him and guiding his way in life. Good night God bless baba tinashe xxxx,” mourned partner Kayleigh Goodier.