Zig-Zag band leader dies

Freedom Mupanedemo
Midlands Bureau
Steven Lunga, leader of the popular Kwekwe-based Chigiyo music outfit, Zig-Zag Band, has died.
He was 55.
Lunga, popularly known as Steve Lyan (Lion), died at Kwekwe District Hospital on Sunday after battling a long illness.
He belonged to Zig-zag’s second generation of musicians and was one of the group’s longest-serving members.
A fellow long-serving member, Isaac Phiri confirmed the death.
“He had not been well for a while but we never thought it would come to this. We hoped and prayed for his recovery but it was never to be. Maybe it was God’s time but all the same, we give glory to the Almighty for a wonderful time we had with him. May he rest in eternal peace,” said Phiri.
He said people are gathered in Amaveni’s B Section and burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Zig-Zag Band was formed in 1982 when the late Steve Lion was a primary school kid.
The group, whose traditional Zimbabwean music is fused with reggae, was formed by current Blacks Unlimited lead guitarist, Gilbert Zvamaida, Stanley Phiri (late) as well as brothers George Paradzai Lunga, and Robert Lunga.
Legendary vocalist, the late Emmanuel Nkomo, a master of the Gomo Rasare fame, joined the group a year later.
United States-based Zvamaida is the only surviving original member of the group.
George and Robert were brothers of the late Steve and the two inspired Lion to become a full-time musician. Lion joined Zig-Zag in 1989.
“He started off as a runner who would organise events but given his zeal for music, he learnt to play several instruments. By the time of his death, he was the band leader and we would all look up to him, given his experience,” said Phiri.
Besides being a keyboardist, Lunga played a pivotal role within the Chigiyo outfit, including band management and composing songs.
He is well known for his chanting on songs like Chenai Moyo, Tsvarakadenga and Rudo Rwemari, giving Chigiyo a new touch of Raggamuffin Dancehall.
Steve composed his own songs like Zamuninga (Chigiyo Chegorero album) Vashandi (Ndoita ripi zano album) and Wandinoda (Chigiyo Vibes Album)
The musician also composed the entire Harder Than A Rock album.
Lunga took over the leadership of the Kwekwe-based musical outfit following the demise of the majority of band members in the 90s.