TRIBUTES flooded in for Chiwoniso Maraire just hours after her death on Wednesday night.
Online
The mbira star is believed to have succumbed to a lung infection at the age of 37. Zimbabweans took to social networks to remember one of the country’s finest singers.
Maraire, born in the United States in 1976, was one of Zimbabwe’s most marketed artistes internationally. Tourism minister Walter Mzembi led the tributes.
Writing on Twitter, the minister said: “Very promising and talented sister. Death is a painful robber. R.I.P, You wrote your legacy. Till we meet.”
Fellow singer Dudu Manhenga said to New Zimbabwe.com: “It’s shocking to learn of Chi’s death. She was an amazing talent, great sister and free spirit.
“I will miss our fix: Long chats about the industry and the passion she had for life and music. Salute to a queen!”
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Quoting from Chiwoniso’s hit song, Mai, Star FM Breakfast Show host Bongai Zamchiya wrote on Twitter: “Sometimes I hear your voice in the trees whispering #Chiwoniso.”
Trudy Stevenson, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Senegal, tweeted: “Terrible news Chiwoniso Maraire passed away. So sad in Senegal! We hoped to bring Chiwoniso to Dakar this year to perform with her friend Baaba MaAl.”
Bruce Mubayiwa, a Zimbabwean based in South Africa posted on Twitter: “A common thread cutting across Chiwoniso Maraire’s music was deep love for her culture, history, customs and people. A deep love for Africa!
“Chiwoniso told stories with her music. Sometimes the melody was haunting and the message sobering.”
The British Council, which has promoted the arts industry in Zimbabwe, also weighed in, tweeting: “Saddened by the news of the passing of mbira legend Chiwoniso.
Your contribution to Zimbabwe music will live for generations. You will be missed.”
Journalist Chofamba Sithole said: “Chiwoniso Maraire’s death has shocked me to the bone. So young, so talented! I got to mbira through her Ancient Voices. R.I.P!
— Online
