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Liberty Dube in Mutare
URBAN groover Nyika Jamal Mataure, famed for the hit song “Kurwizi”, which featured songstress Betty Makaya, has died. Jamal’s mother, Ruth, said the talented keyboardist, composer, dancer and singer died yesterday at around 1pm. According to his mother, Jamal was HIV-positive and was suffering from motor neuron disease for more than three years.

According to online sources, motor neuron diseases are a group of progressive neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons, the cells that control essential voluntary muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing and swallowing. Jamal was bedridden and could neither talk nor relieve himself. “I never expected that today (Wednesday) we will part forever.

I fed and bathed him at around 7am before I prepared lunch for him at around midday. When I was about to wake him up at around 1pm, that is when I realised that he had died. We are now waiting for other relatives,” she said.

Jamal was born on July 17, 1976 in Mozambique. He did his primary education at Rujeko Primary School in Dangamvura. He went to Mount St Mary’s School in Hwedza for his secondary education.

He later ventured into music and did collaborations with various musicians before releasing the chart-buster album, “Ghetto” in 2003 which carries the smash hit, “Kurwizi”.

Jamal, who spent most of his time in backyard studios, was a talented keyboardist with over 50 unrecorded songs. He was on the verge of releasing a comeback album which was produced by a Mozambican producer and carries tracks like “Baba Tavakunorara”, “Mira Padoko”, “Menina” and “Mwana Wechikoro”, but fell ill before completing the project.

Mourners are gathered at N3A in Dangamvura, Mutare. Jamal is survived by two children, Taina and Jamaith. Burial arrangements are yet to be announced.

Various musicians who include Manicaland Association of Musicians interim chairman and singer, Hosiah Chipanga and sungura artiste, Brian Samaita last month handed over cash and emotional support to the Mataure family.