Legendary singer Cephas Mashakada dies
Legendary Zimbabwean singer Cephas Mashakada has died in the intensive care unit at Chitungwiza Central Hospital after a kidney failure. The 51 year old Sounds of the Muddy Face frontman, collapsed at his Chitungwiza home.
Mashakada was said to be seriously ill and only his wife Eunice and Minister of Media, Information and Publicity Webster Shamu had access to see him several days ago.
Even the dreadlocked artiste’s close relatives, who include his mother Fredresi, a young brother and uncle were denied access. Relatives were seen milling outside the hospital after being denied entry also a few days ago.
The hospital chief executive officer Obadiah Moyo, who is also a renal expert, said Mashakada died as a result of complications arising from diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, pneumonia and kidney failure.
Earlier a distraught Eunice was at pains to explain her husband’s condition and appealed to the nation to rally behind her through prayer and financial support. “His diabetic condition has worsened. It’s now more than just diabetes. The doctors said he developed a kidney failure, which has worsened the situation.
“He is indeed sick to the extent that only Minister Shamu and myself are allowed to see him. As you can see, all these are his relatives from Chinhoyi who have been here all day but can’t see him,” she said before her husband eventually succumbed to the complications. Eunice expressed gratitude to people who have been supporting her.
“I am always here and some of his close associates, fellow musicians and friends including Minister Shamu, Nicholas Zakaria, Gift Amuli and Macheso’s wife Nyadzisai are always coming to give me a shoulder to lean on,” she said.
Eunice said Minister Shamu and the chief executive officer of the hospital Dr Obadiah Moyo were footing part of the hospital bills. “They have been assisting in footing his bills, but I am still appealing to the nation to extend a helping hand through prayer and any necessary support.
“I am always praying to have my husband back home,” Eunice had said before Mashakada died. Mashakada had one of his legs amputated in 2006 owing to his diabetic condition. The fiery lead guitarist is among artistes who performed to raise funds for Chitungwiza Central Hospital during the institution’s Benefit Concert.
Mashakada recorded 15 albums in a career spanning three decades. He released Nyaradzo Yakaitwa in 2004, his best selling album to date. Samson, a hit song off the album, won best song at the 2005 Zimbabwe Music Awards.
In the latter part of his career he began reworking popular church hymns such as Basa Ndasiya Ndapedza, Mharidzo, Zvapupu, Nyaradzo Yakaitwa and Samson Haana Mhosva which returned him to the big time.
