Mujuru's death was not an accident - Hosiah Chipanga

Hosiah Chipanga

Sungura musician, Hosiah Chipanga, has recorded his 26th album titled Gamba dedicated to the late General Solomon “Rex Nhongo” Mujuru.

The late General Mujuru, who was the first black army commander at independence in 1980, died mysteriously in an inferno at his Alamein Farm in Beatrice in August 2011.

The four-track album celebrates Mujuru’s life and raises questions on his mysterious death.

“We cannot talk of our country without mentioning Rex Nhongo who was one of our gallant fighters for our independence,” Chipanga told NewsDay.

“The forthcoming album appreciates Rex Nhongo’s sterling contributions towards attaining our independence. He deserves this recognition alongside some of those who were also involved to avoid distortion of history, as we have seen being done by the current leadership of our country.”

On the album, Chipanga further queries General Mujuru’s suspicious death. “Usually when I compose songs they come from God. Like everyone in our country I am quite certain that General Mujuru’s death was not an accident, and God guided me into writing this track,” he said.

“I just pray that after listening to the song, whoever assassinated our gallant son will do the right thing and seek forgiveness from Zimbabweans. We still have unexplained death cases which transpired before we attained our independence which saw (Josiah)Tongogara, (Herbert) Chitepo and (Nikita) Mangena dying and some which happened after independence including people like Sydney Malunga, Elliot Manyika, William Ndanganda, Moven Mahachi, Cain Nkala, Edward Chindori Chininga and Amos Midzi, but the entire world still needs answers on Mujuru’s painful mysterious death, which saw him being burnt up like a snake in his own house.”

Chipanga said the nation should investigate these cases and make sure that the perpetrators were brought to book.

“I have already started the advocacy through my forthcoming album and I urge everyone to play his part for justice to prevail,” he said.

Some of the songs featured on his four-track album are Vendor which highlights the ever escalating unemployment rate in the country, KwaMarange which mainly focuses on corruption perpetrated by the government at the diamonds fields in Chiadzwa and Mwari WaAbraham which calls on God to intervene in the mess which the country finds itself in.

It further highlights how life has become unbearable for citizens as there is no local currency and the continued shortage of medicine in hospitals, resulting in many deaths and increased vulnerablility of citizens.

The Mutare-based musician said he will not be silenced even if the government continues banning his music from airplay.

“No form of suppression will make me quit recording my music and raising awareness’s towards a progressive society. I know this album is likely to be banned as it has happened before with my other albums,” he said.

Chipanga stormed into limelight in 1979 following his debut single Kudai Ndakaziva, which was banned for raising alarm on the killing of civilians during the war of liberation.

Throughout the years he has also released hit albums like Mabasa Zvichandibatsirei, Guva RaSatan Muchatongwa, Nzira Mbiri, Mombe Yevhu, Chakabaya Chikatyokera, Gushungo, Shinda Isina Tsono and Chiparure Chipanga among others.

Source-Newsday