Constance van Niekerk in South Africa
Simba Mudzingwa, lead vocalist, Mbira player and song composer is no more. He passed on Friday morning after a short illness. Mourners are gathered at his home in Manchester in the United Kingdom where he was based. What a terrible blow to Zim music industry!
Simba played with Hohodza, a band formed in 1992 in Zimbabwe by Pachedu Award winner, Portia Gwanzura who is also based in UK. The traditional outfit is, contrary to popular belief alive and kicking and has been doing shows in the UK. Some of their popular songs are Dzorai Moyo, Chinyakare Makaisepi and Asipo Haapo (with Founder Portia).
He is survived by wife Kayleigh, a daughter Ruvarashe Chantelle who is already following the music footsteps and two sons. Details of his burial are yet to be announced.
The sad news has shocked fans on the social media with many sending their condolences. One such is a touching message from his friend and name sake, Zimonline boss, Simba Nyanhanga,
…Apa wanyatsotirwadzisa kani sazita, Saka wati ndovhaira nani manje… Watiomesera Simba Mudzingwa…
Fellow former Hohodza band member Progress Chipfumo yesterday also took to Facebook,
Do you still remember him back in the days of Hohodza hot band? Simba Mudzingwa is no more. RIP Sahwira. Inzira yedu tose. Simba passed away in Canada
Rest in Peace Simba, ndiyo nzira yedu tese. Watungamira machewe.
Watch Simba and Hohodza on YouTube: Dzorai Moyo
I find myself wishing I would just wake up from this nightmare
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Posted by simbarashenyanhanga | Jun 28, 2015, 16:25I’m very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and his family.
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Posted by Constance van Niekerk | Jun 28, 2015, 16:53