Yesterday, Zimbabwean dancehall star Seh Calaz experienced an unexpected reunion during a visit to Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
The visit, part of a larger initiative involving musicians and football legends ahead of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Prison Day celebrations on November 16th, brought the artist face-to-face with a former neighbour, Paul Mwesambuzi (41), serving a 15-year sentence for murder.
More than 3000 inmates at Chikurubi Maximum Prison were got a chance to mingle with the stars. Among the 3071 inmates, 351 are under Psychiatric Unit and their cases are yet to be resolved. Jaison Muvhevhi, the killer former police officer who is part of the Psychiatric Unit, also got opportunity to share some lighter moments with the musicians.
“We communicated well with them that I was left with more questions than answers,” said one of the musicians.
The musicians were given the chance to address the inmates and a number of them preached the message of hope.
The lineup included fellow musicians Mathias Mhere, Jah Prayzah, Simon Mutambi, Mbeu, Jah Signal, Empress Masina, and Pondo, along with football legend Justice Majabvi. The artists performed two of Seh Calaz’s songs, ‘Mabhanditi’ and ‘Kwatinobva Kwakasiyana’, for the D-Class inmates.
It was during this performance that Seh Calaz recognised Mwesambuzi, a former neighbour from his Mbare days. The two shared a conversation, a poignant moment highlighting the unexpected connections that can emerge even within the confines of a maximum-security prison.
Mwesambuzi, who has served two years of his sentence, expressed deep regret for his actions.
“Although I am serving my sentence, I am yet to forgive myself for killing my friend in Mbare,” he confessed.
He recounted the events leading to the murder, explaining that a minor argument escalated into a fatal stabbing.
“We had a quarrel over a small issue, I got angry and stabbed him. Allow me to warn people out there that failing to control our emotions can cost lives. Ndavekutambura hupenyu hwangu hwese nekuda kwekutadza kuzvidzora,” he said.
Seh Calaz, recalling his childhood memories of Mwesambuzi and his victim, Benjamin Hapu, shared his own perspective on the encounter. He remembered seeing the two men walking together frequently in Mbare. The chance meeting underscores the complex web of relationships that exist within communities, even extending into the harsh realities of prison life.
The visit wasn’t just about personal encounters; it also served as a platform for spreading messages of hope and rehabilitation. Several musicians took the opportunity to address the inmates, sharing words of encouragement and faith. Preston Maporisa, a music promoter and religious minister known for his past donations to the prison, delivered a sermon and offered prayers. Maporisa’s presence resonated deeply with many long-serving inmates, who recognised him from his previous acts of charity.
“A number of inmates here are familiar with me since I have been visiting the prison with donations,” he noted.
One musician, reflecting on the experience, commented on the profound impact of the interactions: “We communicated well with them that I was left with more questions than answers,” highlighting the complexities of the inmates’ situations and the lasting impressions made during the visit.
The event, organised in anticipation of Prison Day, provided a unique opportunity for both inmates and performers to connect on a human level, transcending the usual barriers between the outside world and prison life.
