THE musical fraternity has described the death of Diva Mafunga as a sad and irreplaceable loss to the industry.
Mafunga, who was now approaching his late 50s, died yesterday in a road accident between Kwekwe and Kadoma, heading towards Harare.
He was in the company of fellow musician and close relative, Minister Winston Kapeza.
“I was with him when the accident occurred between Kwekwe and Kadoma.
“I witnessed everything as the car rolled several times as he was trying to control it.
“I am his close relative and also a musician who got assistance from him,” he said.
Minister Kapeza believes the gospel genre will never be the same without him.
“He was determined to help others and I can safely say I am one of the people who was ready to learn from him.
“The music industry will never be the same without him.
“He was more than a relative but a teacher and perfectionist who wanted things to be done by the book.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by music producer, Lighton Ngolomi, who was recording Mafunga’s forthcoming album.
“I was devastated when I learnt about his death because I was in the process of recording his new album.
“To date, we had just recorded two songs and we were really cooperating well.
“To us in the gospel genre, and music fraternity at large, Diva Mafunga’s death has robbed us of a creative genius who did a lot for the music fraternity,” he said.
Pastor Charles Charamba, who entered the music fraternity during the same time, hailed the Endai Naizvozvo singer for his creative edge in a tweet.
“It comes as a sh0ck. Indeed, we have lost a good and dependable companion, someone who candidly demonstrated his love for God.
“May the Lord comfort the children and family at large.
“Rest in Power our own Compatriot Diva Mafunga,” tweeted Charamba.
The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association described Mafunga as a loyal member of their association.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing on of one of our members, gospel musician Diva Mafunga.
“Mafunga died this morning (yesterday) in a road accident while on his way back to Harare from Bulawayo.
“Mafunga was one of the most influential gospel musicians in the country, with albums such as Endai Naizvozvo, 2003, Fambai Nekutenda, 2004, Pfuurirai Mberi, 2005 and Ndicharamba Ndichidana, 2007, among others.
“To his family and friends, we are sending our caring thoughts during this difficult time of mourning,” said ZIMURA in a statement.
Fellow gospel artists Mathias Mhere, Amos Mahendere, Agatha Murudzwa, Mai Patai and Toggy Chivaviro have been left in sh0ck by his untimely death.
Mafunga is survived by his three children and mourners are gathered in Unit N, Seke, Chitungwiza.
Burial arrangements are still sketchy as the family was yet to meet at the time of going to print.
— HMetro
