Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE tombstone unveiling ceremony for sungura legend John Chibadura is promising to be a day of grand celebrations.
A leading tombstone designer, Tendai Mbofana of Ngoda Granites, has donated a beautifully-crafted headstone, which will be erected at Unit L cemetery in Chitungwiza, where Chibadura was laid to rest.
Mbofana has designed tombstones for other celebrities such as Soul Jah Love, Lazarus “Gringo” Boora, Paul Matavire, Rhoda Mtembe “Mai Sorobhi,” and Susan “Mai Rwizi” Chenjerai.
Chibadura’s youngest son, Simba, confirmed that the unveiling ceremony is scheduled for December 5 in Chitungwiza.
In the lead-up to the ceremony, a tribute show will be held at Tanza Centre, located in the same neighbourhood where the legendary singer lived for many years, giving fans a chance to honour his legacy through music and memories.
Chibadura, known affectionately as Mr Chitungwiza due to his significant influence in the area, will be remembered in style, 26 years after his death.
The musician, who died on August 4, 1999, at the age of 42, was a pacesetter in the music industry. “I’m glad that we’ll be celebrating our legendary father in December, when his tombstone will finally be erected,” said Simba. “We’re grateful for the power of social media, which drew attention to my father’s grave, which was previously in a sorry state,” Simba said.
Photos of Chibadura’s neglected grave went viral, attracting widespread criticism and mockery.
“Some people criticised us for not maintaining it, but a kind-hearted well-wisher came to our rescue by donating a new tombstone.
“In this era of social media, one can be mocked, but there are always people willing to help and ‘shame the devil’.
“In our case, someone unrelated to us stepped in. This Good Samaritan, who was once my father’s fan, has shown that kind-hearted people still exist.”
Knowledge confirmed the inclusion of an array of musicians for the celebrations.
These include Suluman Chimbetu, Potifar Mopo, Tedious Matsito Junior, Tendai Dembo, and Faheem Somanje.
Other friends of the Chibadura family, who are expected to attend, include Kireni Zulu, Simon Mutambi and Allan Chimbetu.
“It’s going to be a huge celebration dominated by the sons of music legends and family friends. We’re not asking for more, but your attendance to ensure that we honour our legend in style.”
He added: “We also want to thank those who provided us with moral support when we were mocked on social media.
“We are here because of their support, and we can’t thank them enough.
“The trolling we endured on social media turned out to be a blessing in disguise because a Good Samaritan came forward to assist us.
‘‘There was nothing we could do to stop people from saying what they wanted, but we all understand that we are operating in a challenging economic environment.
“Chibadura was a legend and he deserves to be honoured. We are glad to have reached this point, where one of our father’s fans, whom we had never met, has designed this state-of-the-art tombstone.”
Knowledge, who co-directs Chibadura Brothers Band alongside Simba and John Junior, revealed that they are committed to making the tombstone unveiling a memorable event.
“The ball is in our court, and we’re just waiting for the day to come.
‘‘We’ve been supported by many people, and it’s now up to us to ensure that we create something fantastic.”
Mbofana said: “For Chibadura, we have gone out of our way to ensure that the family’s legacy is respected and honoured. I am not ashamed to be associated with them.”
