By Tinotenda Hove

ZANU PF-aligned musician Chief Shumba Hwenje has expressed deep sorrow following the death of rising sungura star Tatenda Pinjisi, who passed away on Sunday, April 13, from injuries sustained in a tragic road accident.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Hwenje reflected on the personal bond he shared with Pinjisi and the impact of his untimely death, especially on the late singer’s wife, who is also grieving the recent loss of her mother.

“Wabirira muzaya, wandirwadza. Mudzimai wako ndomunyararidza sei achangobva kurasikirwa naamai vake, vanova mwana wavatete vangu? Makore ose takararama rwaiva rudo,” Hwenje wrote.
(“You’ve departed, my brother, and the pain is deep. How do I comfort your wife, who has just lost her mother—my cousin? We shared so many years filled with love.”)

He continued, expressing the emotional weight of the loss and reminiscing about musical moments they shared:

“Sekuru muripi? Ndoda drink. Ndopawo vazukuru venyu. Or Kule macoupons aripi? Wandibaya muzaya. Wandirwadza zvakawanda. Twaikwanisa taura deep about magitare. One munhu akauya ndichirecoder song Mai Welly, ukati ‘Kule, apa panoda voice rangu, ndoiridza sei song?’”
(“Where are you, brother? I need a drink—maybe with your nephews. Or Kule, where are the coupons? You’ve struck my heart, caused deep pain. We used to talk deeply about guitars. I remember when I was recording Mai Welly and you said, ‘Kule, this part needs my voice, how should I sing it?’”)

Pinjisi’s passing has sent ripples through Zimbabwe’s music community, with many artists mourning the loss of a vibrant talent whose music touched many.