Tinotenda Hove – The music fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the death of Barnabas Mandipota, a backing vocalist for renowned Sungura musician Alick Macheso.

Macheso, who leads Orchestra Mberikwazvo, confirmed the sad news on Sunday through a heartfelt message, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of his longtime colleague.

In his statement, Macheso said, “Impfa Nimulandi – Rufu Imbavha. Ku hama, shamwari nemadzi sahwira tine hurombo kukuzivisai kurasikirwa kwataitwa ne umwe wedu wataibata naye Barnabas Mandipota.”

He went on to extend condolences to the bereaved family and all those affected by the tragedy, adding, “Tinongoti ku pasi rese neku mhuri yekwa Mandipota, nyaradzwai naShe.”
Macheso indicated that further details regarding Mandipota’s passing and funeral arrangements would be shared in due course. “Zvizhinji tichakuzivisai mukufamba kwenguva. Tatenda,” he said.

Mandipota’s death marks a significant loss to Orchestra Mberikwazvo and the broader Sungura music community, where he was part of a team that helped shape the group’s signature sound.