Harare – The Zimbabwean music industry is in deep mourning following the tragic death of rising sungura star Tatenda Pinjisi, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a horrific road accident last Friday. The accident, which occurred near the Norton tollgate on the Harare-Bulawayo highway, has claimed four lives in total: Pinjisi himself, his bassist Naison Tembo, his drummer Prosper, and a female passenger.
Pinjisi had been battling for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital since the accident, but sadly passed away on Sunday. The news has sent shockwaves through the music community and left fans across the country devastated.
The accident occurred around 7pm when the vehicle carrying the musical group was involved in a serious collision. Emergency services rushed Pinjisi to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare, where he was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit. Medical personnel at the premier healthcare facility fought tirelessly to save the talented artist’s life. Despite requiring urgent diagnostic procedures, including CT scans and numerous X-rays, Pinjisi’s injuries proved too severe.
According to Pinjisi’s elder brother, Forward Pinjisi, Tatenda sustained severe head trauma and multiple bone fractures. “Tatenda was involved in a head-on collision with an oncoming Hino truck that tried to overtake another vehicle,” Forward explained on Saturday, before his brother’s passing.
“Tatenda is still in the Intensive Care Unit, on oxygen after sustaining fractures to his thighbone, kneecap, and left arm. All scans of his chest, bones, and head did not find any additional issues.”
Forward further detailed the circumstances surrounding the accident. “He was the one driving and travelling with seven band members and a passenger when the accident occurred. A truck coming from the Chegutu direction attempted to overtake another vehicle, resulting in this fatal collision.”
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) confirmed Pinjisi’s death last night. “We are deeply heartbroken by the passing of Tatenda Pinjisi, a luminary of the sungura genre whose vibrant rhythms and soul-stirring melodies became the heartbeat of countless admirers,” NACZ spokesperson Agga Nyabinde said in a statement.
“On Friday, Tatenda and his band were involved in a road accident which claimed his bassist Naison Tembo and two people who were in the other car. Tatenda has been hospitalised since Friday.
“As we grieve this immense loss, may we find solace in the legacy he leaves behind – a treasure trove of songs that will forever ignite joy and unity in the hearts of those who cherished him.”
Pinjisi and his band were en route to Kadoma, where they were scheduled to perform at Muduvuri Jamaya’s Macsherp Leisure Centre. The female passenger they had picked up from the Harare Showground was also travelling to Kadoma.
The loss of Tembo and Prosper, along with Pinjisi, has left a gaping hole in the band and the wider music community. As of yesterday, plans were underway for the burial of Tembo and Prosper at their respective rural homes.
Other band members sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident. Sonboy Chizenga suffered facial and back injuries, Kamurungu sustained a head injury, and Brajayindi, a dancer, has bruises all over his body.
Pinjisi was a rising star in the vibrant Sungura music scene. He was known for his energetic performances and musical innovation. He made a brand for himself in what he called soft gospel sungura music. Famed for the song Saina off his debut album Rumbidzo Kumusiki, Pinjisi was on his way to a show when they were hit by a truck. His other album Chibhakera Chenyasha was released in 2018.
Fellow musicians and fans have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating his contributions to Zimbabwean culture.
@DJ Sparks Zw “Haaa zvakaoma Guys painful 
Mukomana akaita tsaona lets try to drive safe guys this holiday zvakaoma. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER TATENDA PINJISI”
Simba Saini, a founding chairman of the Zimbabwe Diaspora Musicians based in Cape Town, had expressed his sorrow earlier, before Pinjisi’s death was announced.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear about Tatenda’s fatal accident,” Saini said. “This is particularly disturbing as artists struggle to sustain their brands while trying to support their families. Be strong, Tatenda; God saved some of you. This is a time for the musical community to come together, regardless of whether we are rich or poor.”
Saini had also acknowledged the government’s efforts to improve road conditions across Zimbabwe but stressed the importance of artists avoiding late-night travel due to the inherent dangers.
Prominent doctor Johannes Marisa, known for his philanthropic work providing free medical treatment to artists, had also urged the community to rally around Tatenda during this challenging time.
“There are many costs associated with treating accident injuries, and I encourage the corporate world to step in,” Dr Marisa had stated. “Tatenda is a passionate musician who deserves our support. We extend our condolences to the bereaved families as well.”
Dr Marisa had also offered a cautionary note regarding road safety. “This accident was not due to poor road conditions but rather driver negligence. It’s crucial for drivers to exercise defensive driving and remain aware of their surroundings. Always be cautious and reduce speed near stationary objects, as accidents can happen unexpectedly.”
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