Staff Writer
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has learnt the news of the death of Insimbi Zezhwane founder and lead singer Elvis “MaEli” Mathe and drummer Thembinkosi ‘Maviri’ Mpofu.
The two died in a horrific car crash along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road near the Fatima High School turn-off on Saturday 5 August 2023 plunging the music sector into mourning.
The group was returning from a performance in Binga and was en-route to Harare via Bulawayo when their journey took a devastating turn.
In a statement NACZ director Nicholas Moyo said the deaths of “MaEli” and “Maviri”, left behind a deep void in the music community and the hearts of their devoted fans.
“The NACZ extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Elvis Mathe and Thembinkosi Mpofu. Our sympathies also extend to all the band members’ families who have been affected by this untimely and unfortunate situation. The NACZ wishes the remaining band members a speedy recovery,” he said.
Insimbi Zezhwane is a Rhumba Band, which was founded by Meluleki “Brema” Moyo who is the lead guitar player and Elvis MaEli Mathe who was the lead vocalist.
The duo started recording in 2015 and to date boast a total of seven albums which include ‘Iseqa mgwaqo’, ‘Inhlanzi Encane’, ‘Sizalendaba’, ‘Dikidiki’,’ Inganekwane’, ‘Impande yeminyela’ and ‘Imbemba’. The group was based in South Africa and relocated to Zimbabwe early this year to be based in Bulawayo.
Insimbi seZhwane has had a tremendous impact on the local music scene having won several awards including the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) and being nominated for the outstanding Tshibilika/Rhumba Act and the outstanding song of the Year for their song Imbemba at this year’s Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA).
With MaEli at the helm, Insimbi zeZhwane created their unique Rhumba sound which brought them instant recognition becoming the most sought-after Rhumba band for live performances in the Matabeleland and Bulawayo Region. Burial arrangements are still to be announced.
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