Staff Writer
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe says it has learnt with sadness news of the death of NAMA legend, Zexie Manatsa (78) who passed away Thursday at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare after a long battle with cancer.
“The Board, Management and Staff of NACZ has sends its sincerest condolences to Mrs Manatsa and family and joins the entire nation in mourning the death of one of the pioneers of township music.
“The death of Zexie has once again robbed the nation of one of its most talented, celebrated and revered artists who inspired many musicians such as Oliver Mtukudzi, James Chimombe, Lovemore Majaivana, and Simon Chimbetu,” Nicholas Moyo the NACZ director said.
Born in 1944, Manatsa launched his musical career in 1959 at the age of 15 performing covers with his young brothers as Mambo Jazz Band.
He formed the Green Arrows Band in 1968 in Bulawayo. In 1972, the band was courted by a South African saxophonist West Nkosi, who became their producer resulting in the album, “Chipo Chiroorwa”.
Manatsa was a uniquely talented individual who was not only concerned about his own musical career but also shared his talent with other musicians notably leading to the formation of the Sunrise Kwela Kings at Jairos Jiri Centre in Bulawayo where he advocated the inclusion of musical skills training.
During his decades long career, Zexie released many tracks which have proved to be all-time hits keeping him top of Zimbabwe’s pop charts for many weeks.
Manatsa was passionate about the welfare of artists. Growing up in an era when people looked down on musicians, he advocated for the recognition of music as a serious profession.
In 1979 he made history and broke records when he curated his wedding at Rufaro Stadium with fans paying $1 each to witness the ceremony. Rufaro Stadium was full to the brim with excited fans who had come to witness the amazing “Wedding of the Year”.
Last year Zexie Manatsa was one of the recipients of the NAMA legends@40 Awards for his consistent contribution to the development of the Zimbabwean Music sector
Mourners are gathered at #3564 Westminister Rd, Sentosa.
May his Soul Rest in Peace.
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