Staff Writer
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has sent condolence message following the death of gwenyambira Stella Chiweshe lovingly called Ambuya.
In a statement Nicholas Moyo, the NACZ director said it was with a heavy heart to announce the passing of NAMA legend Mbuya Stella Rambisai Chiweshe (77).
“Her daughter Virgnia Mukwesha-Hetze informed me that Mbuya Chiweshe died peacefully from cancer of the brain at home in Harare this morning.
“Born on the 8th of July, 1946, in Mujumi Village in Mhondoro, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe was undoubtedly Zimbabwe’s Queen of Mbira and one of the country’s foremost cultural exports.
“With her swooping vocals on the mbira, she brought traditional Zimbabwean Shona music to the international stage,” Moyo said. “May her soul rest in peace!”
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority said: “The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority board chairperson, Mr Ray Mawerera and the entire board, the chief executive, Ms Winnie Muchanyuka, management and staff, have learnt with sadness of the passing on of Zimbabwe;’s mbira icon Stella Rambisai Chiweshe.
“Mbuya Chiweshe as she was affectionately known was a mbira soloist, actor and dancer. During liberation struggle, she played a pivotal role, performing at spiritual ceremonies. To this dayMbuya Chiweshe performed solo tours in Germany, Great Britain, Italy, India, China and Korea.”
Journalist Hopewell Chin’nono wrote: “Zimbabwean Mbira music legend Ambuya Stella Chiweshe has died in Harare’s Kambuzuma suburb. The Mbira legend was once married to Africa’s second footballer to play in Europe, Freddy Mkwesha. She spent most of her time in Germany where her husband Peter Reich comes from. RIP”
Another follower replied: “RIP mbira legend.”
A third follower said: “Mbuya will be sadly missed not only in Zimbabwe but outside the borders.”
With a career spanning over 40 years, Mbuya ChiwesheStella Chiweshe was a recipient of various local and international awards, including the Billboard Music Award (1993), the NAMA (2006), the NAMA Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), and the NAMA Legends Awards (2021).
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course. Mourners are gathered at Mukwesha Homestead in Chinyika Goromonzi.
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