Mafirechuma Makanani (92) mother to the late wordsmith and top musician Paul Matavire passed on last Sunday.
Her death was confirmed by Chivi Rural District Council, Chief Executive Officer Tariro Matavire who is brother to the late musician.
He told this publication that Mafirechuma suffered a stroke sometime this year and was being treated regularly at the hospital but her condition deteriorated in the last few days and died while at home in the rural Maranda community.
Makanani was a talented singer and guitarist who played a significant role in shaping Paul Matavire’s musical journey. She encouraged Paul’s love for music and taught him how to play the guitar.
Her last public appearance was three years ago when she appealed for help as she was languishing in poverty stricken conditions with no one to look after her. She lamented then that while people were benefitting from her late son’s work, she was subjevted to dilapidated living conditions which she would not have faced had Matavire been alive.
“I am struggling but people are spending my son’s money. I have many orphans under my care. I can no longer do piece jobs in the community to earn a living. My house is in very bad shape, windows are broken, the asbestos sheets are falling off. During the rainy season we are soaked in water,” lamented Mafirechuma.
Matavire’s own musical story is testament to his mother’s dedication and passion.
Despite facing challenges as a female musician in a male dominated industry, gogo Matavire persevered and became a respected figure in the Zimbabwean music scene.
