By Felix Daniel Mupariwa NganjoMutemi The StoryTeller
Six years after his passing, the memory of Ben Mauchaza—broadcaster, family man, fashion icon, and quintessential cowboy rocker, continues to pulse through the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
This year’s tribute, shared by his family on John The Boss Matinde‘s Sounds On Saturday Show on Classic263 Radio, offered not only remembrance but a celebration of a life lived with style, swagger, and unmistakable presence.
A Song for a Love Story
The tribute opened with a moment of pure romance as Mrs. Mauchaza; chose the Boston classic “More Than a Feeling” to honour her beloved Ben. It was a perfect choice: a timeless song for a timeless love.
Their bond, stitched together through music, respect, and enduring affection, still echoes through the melodies they cherished.
Ben Mauchaza
A Family of Manners, Order, and Deep Love
What became immediately clear is that Ben and Mrs Mauchaza passed down more than memories to their children—they passed on a legacy of good manners and strong values. Listening to their children speak, one could instantly see the imprint of their upbringing.
Nunurai introduced herself with pride:
“I am the first-born child of Ben.”
Mazvita followed with her own declaration:
“I am the second daughter.”
It was a simple moment, yet profoundly revealing. This was a family where hierarchy was respected, positions understood, and roles embraced. One can easily imagine Nunu claiming the choicest cut of steak at family meals, as first-borns often do.
Mazvita’s tribute was tender and emotional. Tears betrayed her as she recounted her father’s influence, love, and character.
One might even suspect, just from her recollection, that she was a little bit of a favourite—just saying zvangu, Mazvi.
And then came Tangai, the son with quiet confidence. Though he did not announce his place in the birth order, one can guess he is the youngest, despite his name referring to the beginning or genesis of things.
Tanga also stirred powerful memories when he mentioned Sultans of Swing, which took some of us back to the late 1970s, to the first time Wally Mbofana introduced us to that unforgettable track.
Voices From the Airwaves and Screens
Two legendary broadcasters also added their voices. Temba Hove, who for years straddled both radio and television as a trusted news anchor, paid tribute to the Ben he knew at Pockets Hill.
Maguire Godzongere of Radio 2 brought humour, revealing the quiet rivalry that once existed between TV presenters and radio hosts.
What many didn’t know was that TV presenters often saw themselves as the “untouchables.” But Magodzongere reminded us that Ben was the bridge. the one man who dissolved that “them and us” attitude. Through his warmth and character, he connected both worlds and kept the whole workplace united.
Ben the Performer: A Cigarette Ritual Like No Other
Remembering Ben is to remember a man who lived life as a performance. Even the simple act of lighting a cigarette became a scene worthy of the silver screen.
He would hop out of his car with a distinctive double-step, tobacco packet in hand, moving with effortless swagger. His greetings were a linguistic dance, heavy Harare street lingo intertwined with smooth, rapid English, spoken in a rhythm that set the tempo of the interaction.
Then came his ritual
He lit the cigarette, lodged it in the corner of his mouth, and took a deep downward pull, holding it for what felt like an eternity. As he held the smoke, he would glance directly into your eyes, as if to say, I know I asked you if uribho, but let me have my pull first before you answer.
Then he released a thick, rolling cloud from his slightly opened mouth, a strato-nimbus puff that momentarily altered the atmosphere around him.
And immediately thereafter came the famous line, said at machine-gun speed:
Howareyoumybrother, ndiyipiyako, uribho, and how are the beats hitting you?
This was more than a greeting. It was music; lyrical, poetic, unforgettable. pure Ben.
The Walk That Became a Signature Kawalk kaye
Ben’s walk deserves its own chapter. To observe him was to witness a man who understood movement as art. He walked as though his boots had springs and shock absorbers; bending slightly forward before breaking into his signature double step, one foot leading, the other trailing lightly behind. Repeated, it became a strut, full of confidence, attitude, and a streetwise elegance that only he could pull off.
He was a cowboy rocker on African soil, unmistakable from afar.
Final Good bye Walk
And as he approached the studios walking from the car park , the ritual concluded with the final low-key pull of squat and stampy cigarette.
He would flick the cigarette to the dusty path, stomp it out like a jackhammer with his clean cowboy boot and deliver his parting shot:
“Felix, cha-cio. I gotta go.”
With that, the swagger resumed, and Ben disappeared into the rhythm of his own legend to the Radio 3 studios
A Legacy That Still Burns Bright
Six years on, the spirit of Ben Mauchaza continues to strut, smoke, speak, and swagger through the memories of those who loved him.
His family’s tribute was not only heartfelt but a reminder of a man who lived boldly, stylishly, and authentically: a man whose presence could not be ignored.
A broadcaster.
A cowboy.
A fashion icon.
A family man.
A legend.
Keep on rrrrrrrocking, Ben.
Your beat still hits us strrrrrrong.
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