By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
His music is playing everywhere, in kombis, on radio and in homes yet the man behind the voice has breathed his last.
Soul Jah Love reportedly collapsed Tuesday before he was taken to Mbuya Dorcus Hospital where he was pronounced dead according to multiple sources.
And condolence messages continue to pour in for Zim dancehall prodigy — Sol Jah Love —- who died after succumbing to diabetes. He was 31!
Soul Jah Love aka Makuruwani to some and Chibaba to others left a huge void in Zim dancehall, a genre birthed in Zimbabwe with trappings of Jamaican reggae-dancehall.
Loved and followed by many Soul Jah Love’s music spoke about his impoverished background and the world him.
As a youth icon, Soul Jah Love born Soul Musaka, enjoyed the support of both young and the old.
In a statement, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe conveyed its sincerest condolences to the Musaka Family following the sudden and untimely death of Soul Musaka (31) aka Soul Jah Love.
“May the family find solace in the comfort of the Lord.
“The death of “Sauro” has robbed the nation of one of its talented young musicians who pioneered in the production and promotion of Zim dancehall music from the high-density suburb of Mbare to national prominence.
“Jah Love emerged from a crop of youngsters who were hungry for success in the music industry with their mix of Jamaican-influenced reggae beats with Zimbabwean style lyrics which resonated with the experiences of the youth in the country.
“He was a talented musician who took the nation by storm with his innovative lyrics in songs like Pamamonya Ipapo, Ndini Uya Uya, Fare Fare Tindike, Ndongosimudza Musoro among a host of other compositions.
“Soul Jah Love has left a big void in the Zimbabwe music and dancehall and he will be sorely missed by his legions of fans and the entire music fraternity in Zimbabwe.
“May your soul rest in eternal peace, Soul Jah Love,” the NACZ director Nicholas Moyo said.
Pumacol another diabetic patient also dedicated a song — Rufu (Soul Jah Love Dedication).
He sings: “I’ve been there I’ve been with you . . . Rufu rwatipesanisa.”
Garnet Geezy Maxwell also wrote: “Rest in peace Soul Jah Love go well makuruwani.” Winky D who Soul Jah Love looked up to wrote: “Dear Sauro. Since it is so, now in excruciating pain our fate should all acknowledge and embrace. Since it is written and ought to be. My grieving heart still rises in pain and gratitude at your contributions to the musical narrative. Not recognizing you in the Zim dancehall story shall remain a travesty. You travelled all musical thorny paths even more, you conquered in your distinct way. No musical heart ever conceived it dared to try your lyrical path. We won’t take back the hope you have to the youths. And we shall forever cherish the memories. Rest in strong dancehall Riddims my bredren.”
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