The Zimbabwe Musician Union, (ZIMU), would like to offer its heartfelt condolences to the Chiweshe family following the death of iconic-mbira legend Mbuya Stella Rambisai Nekati Chiweshe. It is with great sadness we learnt of her passing away at a time the industry was geared towards benefitting from her guidance and mentorship. Her expertise in traditional music and dance cannot be matched to any, and this has left a huge gap in the industry.

One of the most successful musicians to come out of Zimbabwe, despite being female, she rose to fame and became the first female musician on African instrument to tour Europe and the world and also perform in the WOMAD festival.

She gave herself to service in popularising mbira in the country at a time few women played the instrument and later to the world. She served as a lecturer in Germany before returning home to continue imparting her skills and knowledge to young Zimbabweans.

She mentored likes of Edith weUtonga, Eunice ‘Magumbo’ Kapandura, Hope Masike, the late Chiwoniso Maraire, Nancy ‘Nasibo’ Mutize and many more. She also acted in the role of renowned Spirit medium and Heroine Nehanda Nyakasikana a.k.a Charwe in the feature film Nehanda, which also earned the honours of unveiling the statue of Nehanda with her outstanding performance in the film.

As a Union, we will continue to honour her memory and legacy, recommending that the veteran award-winning musician be immortalised as a National Heroine.