Oliver Mtukudzi, Zex Manatsa and Mbuya Chiweshe, the legends who bade farewell in January

Trust Khosa
In Roman mythology, January holds significant meaning, marking the start of the year.
It is a time for reflection and setting resolutions as the new year unfolds.
Named after the Roman god Janus, January symbolises beginnings and endings.
For the families of Zimbabwe’s late music icons — Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, Zex Manatsa and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi — January represents a period of sorrow.
This trio, celebrated for promoting Zimbabwe’s culture and music beyond its borders, all passed away during the month of January.
For these families, January is indeed a dark month, as they remember their torchbearers.
Fans hope that the tears shed in memory of the trio will nurture the seeds of love they planted within their respective communities.
Among them, Tuku was the first to pass on January 23, 2019, at a Harare hospital.
He lost his battle against diabetes complications, leaving millions of his fans across the world shattered.
For building an impressive body of work over four decades, singing songs with substance, and his global influence, Tuku was declared a national hero.
His remains were interred at his Madziva home in Mashonaland Central Province.
Tuku, who commanded a huge following, inspired generations.
However, some of his family members are yet to find closure. The cloud of bitterness, sorrow and anger still hovers among them.
With time, it is hoped that they will find each other and move on.
Then, another yesteryear icon, Manatsa, lost his battle against cancer on January 20, 2022.
He was 78.
The Green Arrows boss, who shattered records after his wedding ceremony at Rufaro Stadium in 1979, was a music colossus for years.
A unifier, Manatsa won the hearts of football fans with songs dedicated to the country’s once most-supported four teams — Dynamos, Highlanders, CAPS United, and Zimbabwe Saints.
His all-time hits, including songs like “Chipo Chiroorwa,” “Chitima Nditakure,” “Hwahwa,” and “Tea Hobvu,” are still as wonderful as ever.
As a true legend, he received a State-assisted funeral and was buried at Warren Hills Cemetery, Harare.
Manatsa’s wife, Stella, died in her sleep at their Mabelreign, Harare home, on August 30, 2022.
On January 20, 2023, the nation was plunged into mourning again following the death of Mbuya Stella Chiweshe.
She lost her battle against a brain tumour at the age of 76.
The cultural icon, whose career spanned over five decades, was also hailed for the role she played in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The mbira queen also marketed Zimbabwe overseas, especially in Germany, where she spent most of her life.
Like a true traditionalist, Mbuya Chiweshe was buried the traditional way in Nekati Village under Chief Masembura’s area.
Her burial made headlines after her body was transferred from an expensive casket to be wrapped in a cloth and a reed mat.
The casket was destroyed, with close relatives in charge. The media was barred from taking pictures, true to tradition.
Her daughter, Virginia Mukwesha, told mourners that it was Mbuya Chiweshe’s wish to be buried the traditional way.
Two years after her death, Mbuya Chiweshe is still remembered for promoting African tradition through music.
Like her two counterparts — Tuku and Manatsa — the departed mbira icon’s influence is still being felt.
She remains a role model, inspiring other female mbira players to navigate the terrain she once occupied.
Besides this trio, there are also other Zimbabwean celebrities who died in January.
The late Simbarashe Mhere, a Zimbabwe-born South African actor, presenter, and television personality died on January 31, 2015, at the age of 26.
Mhere, who reportedly moved to South Africa when he was only one, will be best remembered for his exploits on the top lifestyle show, Top Billing, which earned him fans across the continent.
Across the Limpopo, fans are mourning the death of South African actress and singer Winnie Khumalo, who died on January 7 at the age of 51.
The Afro-pop star, whose career dates back to the 1980s, will be buried on Saturday.
Famed for her hit song “Live My Life,” she had the opportunity to collaborate with top South African acts, including Brenda Fassie.