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Xolisani Nyathi Recently in Zvimba South
Leader of popular Chegutu-based apostolic acapella group Chiedza Chevatendi, Tapiwa Chibaya Mujaji, was on Friday laid to rest at his home village at Madzima Chibaya in Zvimba.

Chibaya died on Tuesday at the Father O’hea Hospital in Zvimba following kidney and liver complications.

The late musician was a member of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) and the association did well to provide many requirements to give the late musician a decent send off.

Regardless of the poverty that stalks many musicians, ZIMURA should be applauded for their efforts in improving the lives of the artistes as well as helping them and assisting in the time of need.

In her speech during the funeral, ZIMURA executive director Polisile Ncube hailed Tapiwa for a job well done in the music industry saying he was one of the active members of ZIMURA who were keen to fight piracy at all angles.

“We have lost a hero. Tapiwa was one of the pioneers of ZIMURA, he was active and participated in many ZIMURA activities. He was one of the key members who were keen to fight piracy, may his soul rest in peace”, she said.

Brother to Tapiwa Chibaya and family spokesperson Silent Chibaya hailed ZIMURA for a job well done.

“Although I am sad that my brother passed away, I am a bit happy about the decent burial that was made possible by ZIMURA. Without ZIMURA I do not know what we were going to do as a family, but they helped us. They did everything for us including providing transport, buying the coffin, providing groceries and mostly what I like about them is that there are approachable, free and professional.

“I also like take this opportunity to thank our MP honourable Walter Chidhakwa who is not here today. He also contribute by providing us with groceries and I want to thank him for that,” Silent said.

Popular musician Oliver Mtukudzi gave an emotional speech saying that some musicians look down on other fellow musicians.

“I am saddened by the death of this young man. We were supposed to hold a show in commemoration of my late son Sam but he is gone, may his soul rest in peace.

Also some musicians look down on others as you can see, many are not here, we also thank ZIMURA for helping. I would like to encourage every musician to step up and join ZIMURA, do not expect ZIMURA to come to you, no, go there and join, don’t expect everything to be done for you”, Mtukudzi said.

Dignitaries present were Senator for Manicaland David Chimhini and other government officials.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe was represented by Provincial Arts Manager for Mashonaland Jephias Makumucha who also gave a speech thanking ZIMURA for the good work that they are doing for artistes.

Different apostolic groups performed including Chiedza Chevatendi and Vabati vaJehovah amongst others.