MILLICENT HUNGWE
The Masvingo arts industry has joined the rest of the country in mourning the untimely death of rising sungura star Proud Tatenda Kahwa (33) popularly known as Tatenda Pinjisi Spanner Boy in the music circles.
The music sector was plunged into deep mourning on Sunday midnight as news filtered that Pinjisi who was involved in a horrific accident last Friday, 63km from Harare on his way to a show had died.
Two of his band members died on the spot including a female passenger while Pinjisi died at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital on Sunday where he had been admitted while allegedly pleading for painkillers.
Sungura icon Alick Macheso had to abandon his show in grief at Jongwe Corner where he was the headline act for a family show on Sunday.
The accident has sent shockwaves through the industry, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of such a promising talent.
“Tatenda Pinjisi was a shining star in the Zimbabwean music scene,” said Masvingo Charles Austin Theatre Chairperson Tichamupei Comfort Chivore-Nyandoro.
“His passing on is a great loss to the music industry and the nation at large. May his family, relatives, friends, and fans find comfort during this difficult time,” added Chovore-Nyandoro.
Prolific poet, Abel Mudhosvo Mauchi of Gutu said the death of Pinjisi was a big blow to the music sector as it has been robbed of a young promising talent who had a bright future ahead of him.
“At 33, this is unbelievable, as the arts sector we are devastated and we are failing to come to terms with such a loss in such a manner for that matter, may his dear soul rest in eternity,” Mudhosvo told The Midweek Watch.
As news of Pinjisi’s death spread, fans took to social media to share their condolences and memories of the musician, many describing him as a talented artist with a bright future ahead, and his passing has left a big gap in the industry which may be difficult to fill.
