By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MBERENGWA- Scores of fans, friends and relatives yesterday thronged Mudavanhu Village here for the burial of veteran musician Andy Brown. The prolific lead guitarist succumbed to severe pneumonia at Parirenyatwa Hospital last Friday.
Affectionately-known as Muzukuru by his adoring fans, Brown died a few weeks after he returned from a tour of Sweden. He had celebrated his 50th birthday on the eve of his death. His daughters Amara and Chengeto performed an ode to their dad before his burial.
Andy Brown’s widow Nadine was overcome with grief. The upcoming musicians, who are following in their father’s footsteps, sent part of the crowd into tears as they mourned the fiery guitarist whose music reflected Zimbabwean culture.
When Brown’s body arrived at his rural home on Wednesday, villagers sang and danced the night away celebrating their hero who put Midlands Province on the music map. Andy Brown was granted his wish to be buried next to his mother Zvondiwe Ncube at a family cemetery.
The huge send-off showed how much Andy Brown touched many lives through his music. His aunt, Mrs Ntombana Ncube, was at a loss for words. She said she was proud that they raised Andy Brown in Shona culture and that he represented the virtues of African values and beliefs.
“He was the breadwinner and a unifier. I don’t know how I am going to look after the rest of the family without Cadia (Andy’s real name at birth),” she said in tears. Mourners described Andy Brown as a loving father, team builder and a great musician.
Douglas Ncube, the singer’s uncle, said the death of Muzukuru had dealt the family a blow. Mberengwa West MP Joram Gumbo hailed Andy Brown for standing firm for what he believed in. He said Andy Brown had remained resolute at the height of the Third Chimurenga.
Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu, who is also the patron of the Zimbabwe Union of Musicians, slammed piracy and urged the media to write positively about Zimbabwe’s music stars.
Among the mourners were Zanu-PF national spokesperson Rugare Gumbo, Secretary for Media, Information and Publicity George Charamba, Andy Brown’s ex-wives Maria, Chiwoniso as well as Daves Guzha, Partson Chimbodza and Josh Hozheri. The Herald
