By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
It appears a huge send-off awaits Soul Jah Love ahead of his burial tomorrow at Warren Hills amid Covid-19 rule which stipulates that only 30 people are allowed per funeral.
Born Soul Musaka, the Zim dancehall star was given a Liberation hero status by Zanu PF and will be buried at a provincial heroes acre in Warren Hills Cemetery.
Soul Jah Love aka Chibaba died on Tuesday aged 31 after succumbing to diabetes.
He is expected to be buried at Warren Hills in Harare at 11am tomorrow.
A long convoy including a hearse carrying the Soul Jah Love’s body from Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour was seen today indicating that police will have a torrid time to control the huge crowds.
Chaotic scenes were the order in Msasa Park where the body is expected to lie in state with mourners, mainly youths who followed his music, continuously clashing with police who wanted them to leave.
Soul Jah Love’s neighbours expressed dismay at some mourners who would relieve themselves on their flowerbeds during day time and threw empty alcohol bottles and litter at their premises.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged the mourners to observe national lockdown and Covid-19 regulations as they paid their last respects to the Zimdancehall icon.
“As police, we urge mourners to adhere to all Covid-19 regulations and what was announced by President Mnangagwa in his recent State-of-the-Nation address. Mourners should also seek guidance from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said police had been deployed to monitor the situation on the ground and funeral proceedings.
There were ululations at the funeral wake after the singer was declared a liberation hero, with his fans bursting into song.
“Pamamonya Ipapo”, “Hove Huru”, and “Hupenyu Ivhiri”, they sang renditions of Soul Jah Love’s songs.
Soul Jah Love’s brother, Simbarashe Musaka, said the singer was loved by many, hence the presence of crowds at the funeral wake.
“The situation is tense, but we are trying by all means to control the fans. We have set down as a family and emphasised that we should respect and observe the Covid-19 regulations. You can see that everyone who is coming to pay their last respect we make sure they are sanitised and that they are putting on their masks.”
Simbarashe said some celebrities were coming to pay their respects and leave immediately afterwards.
He urged Soul Jah Love’s fans to do the same to stay safe from Covid-19.
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