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Cde Chinx (centre) breaks down as he leans on ZIMA chairman Joseph Nyadzayo while the musician’s mother (with basket) and two wives look on

Godwin Muzari and Sophia Chese
He did not know that his mother was in the auditorium. He did not know that his aunt was also there. He did not know that he would get a house. And when he knew all this, he cried.
Emotions overcame Dickson “Cde Chinx” Chingaira when he received the Chairman’s Award at the Zimbabwe Music Awards on Wednesday night at the Harare International Conference Centre.

The revolutionary musician knew he would get a surprise at the ceremony but the way ZIMA chairman Joseph Nyadzayo delivered the award shocked the musician to tears.

Cde Chinx went to the stage with his two wives, Patricia and Ntombizodwa, in anticipation of the surprise that he had been promised after he was voted winner of the Chairman’s Award when the nominees were released.

He happily danced as he sang “Vanhu Vemuno MuAfrica” that was being played by a youthful orchestra on stage.

Nyadzayo then announced he wanted a special person to present the award to the musician for his outstanding achievement in the music industry.

The musician was shocked to see his mother and her sister making their way to the stage. It was a surprise before the surprise. They hugged Cde Chinx and his wives before Nyadzayo told the musician’s mother to reveal the actual surprise of the night.

ZIMA rewarded the musician with a house. Cde Chinx was given a key to a four-bedroomed house that is under construction in Mabelreign. Emotions overcame the musician and he broke down.

Nyadzayo said this was a special award in honour of the contribution Cde Chinx made to the music industry before and after Independence.

“This is a special award and I do not think I will give anyone such an honour again. This man has done so well for the industry and he deserves great honour,” he said.

Cde Chinx thanked ZIMA for the precious gift.

“I do not know what to say. I am shocked. I want to thank the ZIMA family who saw it fit to give me this particular gift that I am delighted to receive. For almost three months, I was waiting to know what I would receive because they told me it is a big surprise.

“I remember telling my mother that I had been called here for a surprise. I told her I would visit her at home to give her feedback. To my surprise she is here too and is part of this. I am shocked. Zvinouraya izvi. Someone can be shocked to death,” he said.

Meanwhile, the house was unveiled yesterday morning to Cde Chinx and his family.

It was an emotional moment at house number 3511 Takeley Drive,  Sentosa in Mabereign where Cde Chinx and his family converged to view the house still under construction.

His first wife, 54-year-old Patricia Makoni, failed to contain her joy and she broke down when Nyadzayo showed them the house.

“I bought the stand but it is not Zima that is building the house for you. Your name did the work for you. I approached people asking them for donations to build the house for you and the response was overwhelming,” Nyadzayo told Cde Chinx.

The house has two master bedrooms, two spare bedrooms a big lounge and a kitchen.

Nyadzayo said they are expecting the structure, which is now at roof level to be complete before Christmas.

Cde Chinx’s mother, Ronia Chingaira, said she is happy for her son.

“I was hurt that my son stayed in Chitungwiza while other musicians stay in lavish houses in uptown areas but I never dreamt that this day would come. I am grateful and would want to thank everyone who made this possible,” she said.

Cde Chinx’s wife, Patricia, thanked Zimbabweans for their support.

“I am so happy with the recognition that my husband has got today. I have always hoped and prayed that the people of Zimbabwe would recognise his works. He has his country at heart and I am happy that the people of Zimbabwe have seen it,” she said.

The musician’s son, Deeds Chingaira, was grateful.

“I feel elated. It is beautiful and as a family I must say we never saw it coming but because of what my father has done for the country I always prayed that one day he would be honoured.”