Staff Writer
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe said it learnt with sadness, news of the death of the veteran writer, composer and Roman Catholic Priest, Father Emmanuel Francis Ribeiro (86).
Fr Ribeiro, who was declared a National Hero and will be buried today at the Heroes Acre, was one of the pioneering writers in the native language during the colonial era with his first two Shona novels Muchadura (1967) and Tonderai (1969) winning him prizes in competitions arranged by the Rhodesia Literature Bureau.
Muchadura also sold a record-breaking 3000 copies and has been used as secondary schools set book.
In a wide-ranging career in the arts, Fr also wrote Shona epilogues for the Rhodesia Broadcasting Corporation’s African Service for two years and was also a correspondent for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
The late Priest was also a prolific music composer having composed his first Roman Catholic Church song “Gamuchirai Mambo” in 1961. He composed 17 catholic church songs including Alleluia Munyika Dzose, Tauya Nezvipo Zvemupiro, Mambo Mwari Wamasimba, Hwayana yaMwari, and Mwari Ngaarumbidzwe amongst others.
NACZ director Nicholas Moyo said Father Ribeiro also undertook and executed with distinction important national assignments.
“He was the head of the committee which composed the country’s national anthem and was part of the committee which designed Zimbabwe’s national flag.
“The late Priest has left a rich legacy for the country in his literary and musical works which have inspired many. These works have stood the test of time and have become part of the country’s cultural and political heritage.
“May his Soul Rest in peace,” he said.
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