Legendary Mbira musician Mbuya Stella Chiweshe dies aged 77

Zimbabwean Mbira music legend Mbuya Stella Chiweshe (77) passed away early Friday morning at her place of residence in Harare’s Kuwadzana suburb.

Her daughter Virgnia Mukwesha-Hetze confirmed she “died peacefully from cancer of the brain at home in Harare this morning.”

Born Stella Rambisai Nekati Chiweshe on July 8, 1946 in Mujumi Village, Mhondoro, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe leaves her mark as Zimbabwe’s Queen of Mbira music who built a solid international reputation.

Rector Kandemiviri, a close relative, explained that “She wasn’t feeling much well of late, coupled with age. The last time she came kumusha she was saying her days were almost up and as such, she needed to settle back home.”

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Nicholas Moyo issued a statement saying;

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Nama legend, Mbuya Stella Rambisai Chiweshe, 77.

“Her daughter Virgnia Mukwesha-Hetze informed me that Mbuya Chiweshe died peacefully from cancer of the brain at home in Harare this morning.”

“With her swooping vocals on the mbira, Mbuya Chiweshe brought traditional Zimbabwean Shona music to the international stage.

“With a career spanning over 40 years, Mbuya Chiweshe was a recipient of various local and international awards, including the Billboard Music Award (1993), Nama (2006), the Nama Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), and the Nama Legends Awards (2021).”

Moyo said burial arrangements will be announced in due course with mourners gathered at Mukwesha Homestead in Chinyika, Goromonzi.