Zimbabwe News Update
earground
5 min read
the death of popular comedian and actor charles mupalume, affectionately known as marabha, has plunged zimbabwe’s arts industry into mourning. his untimely death did not only evoke widespread grief but also exposed the harsh realities and vulnerabilities many local artists continue to face.by dickson banderain his final years, marabha struggled with severe health challenges compounded by financial hardship and social isolation — a sobering reminder of the precarious circumstances that often beset the country’s creative community.despite occasional support from a few close friends, marabha’s plight was largely overlooked, leaving him to battle illness and poverty with little consistent assistance.
tragically, many of those he had once worked alongside distanced themselves during his most difficult moments.following his passing, sunrest funeral services extended a gesture of compassion by donating a casket and providing hearse transportation for his burial last week — a contribution that ensured marabha’s final journey was conducted with dignity.this writer tracked down the man behind the donation, mr abel chazanga to understand his motivation and reflections on this significant gesture.chazanga hopes that marabha’s death will ignite national conversations around better support for artists during their lifetime and beyond.“when we learned of marabha’s passing, we felt compelled to honor his incredible contribution to our arts and culture,” said the director of sunrest funeral services.“donating the casket and transportation was our heartfelt gesture of respect and gratitude.”he emphasized the need for the private sector to play a greater role in safeguarding the dignity of artists who often lack social protection.“artists are the backbone of our cultural heritage.
it is heartbreaking to see them pass without dignity.
we urge other companies to join us in supporting zimbabwe’s creatives, ensuring they receive the respect they deserve,” he said.marabha’s journey to fame began through street theatre performances alongside fellow actors such as kapfupi, aphiri, nyimo, regina, bonjisi, officer dhiniwe, and majisa, where he captivated audiences with his humor and powerful storytelling.his unforgettable performance in dindingwe rinonaka richakweva rimwe, where he starred alongside kapfupi, cemented his reputation as an entertainer par excellence.marabha’s fame did not translate into financial security, as his life remained marked by financial hardship — a stark contrast to the artistic success he had achieved.”see alsomakumi matatu returns: a powerful fusion of music, comedy, poetry & theatrehis passing has left a deep void in the hearts of many zimbabweans, who fondly remember him for the laughter, joy, and relatable stories he brought into their lives.chazanga announced plans to establish a long-term initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged entertainers and public figures during times of need.“we are currently exploring partnerships with local arts organizations and considering establishing a dedicated fund to assist with funeral expenses.“our goal is to create a sustainable program that uplifts and honors our creatives even in their final moments,” he said.chazanga also advocated for broader collaboration between government, businesses, and the arts community to create structured support systems for artists, including funding initiatives, healthcare access, pension schemes, mentorship programs, and in-kind services.sunrest funeral services, known for its personalized offerings such as funeral planning, cremation, exhumation, grief support, and pre-planning services, reaffirmed its commitment to compassion and community engagement.“we believe this initiative will not only benefit the arts community but also contribute to the well-being of our society as a whole.
marabha’s legacy should remind us all of the value of our artists and the dignity they deserve,” said chazanga. the death of popular comedian and actor charles mupalume, affectionately known as marabha, has plunged zimbabwe’s arts industry into mourning. his untimely death did not only evoke widespread grief but also exposed the harsh realities and vulnerabilities many local artists continue to face. in his final years, marabha struggled with severe health challenges compounded by financial hardship and social isolation — a sobering reminder of the precarious circumstances that often beset the country’s creative community. despite occasional support from a few close friends, marabha’s plight was largely overlooked, leaving him to battle illness and poverty with little consistent assistance.
tragically, many of those he had once worked alongside distanced themselves during his most difficult moments. following his passing, sunrest funeral services extended a gesture of compassion by donating a casket and providing hearse transportation for his burial last week — a contribution that ensured marabha’s final journey was conducted with dignity. this writer tracked down the man behind the donation, mr abel chazanga to understand his motivation and reflections on this significant gesture. chazanga hopes that marabha’s death will ignite national conversations around better support for artists during their lifetime and beyond.
“when we learned of marabha’s passing, we felt compelled to honor his incredible contribution to our arts and culture,” said the director of sunrest funeral services. “donating the casket and transportation was our heartfelt gesture of respect and gratitude.” he emphasized the need for the private sector to play a greater role in safeguarding the dignity of artists who often lack social protection. “artists are the backbone of our cultural heritage. it is heartbreaking to see them pass without dignity. we urge other companies to join us in supporting zimbabwe’s creatives, ensuring they receive the respect they deserve,” he said.
marabha’s journey to fame began through street theatre performances alongside fellow actors such as kapfupi, aphiri, nyimo, regina, bonjisi, officer dhiniwe, and majisa, where he captivated audiences with his humor and powerful storytelling.
