Diva Mafunga is no more

One of Zimbabwe’s prominent gospel musicians, Diva Mafunga, has died.

Mafunga died in a road traffic accident in Gweru when the car he was driving lost control and veered off the road before landing on its side. According to reports, he was coming from a show in Bulawayo.

His brother Steady told Zim Now that when he reached Gweru, he experienced a breakdown and called relatives in Harare for back-up.

"When those from Harare arrived at the breakdown scene, they arranged to tow Diva's broken down vehicle while he offered to drive the one that was pulling it. On the way they by-passed a speeding bus and soon after, the occupants of the rear car say they lost sight of the car Diva was driving.

“When they stopped to search for it, they found it in the bush near the road, but Diva was not in sight. They managed to call the police who, in turn, arranged for an ambulance to attend to the scene.”

Steady said they were not yet aware whether their brother had died at the scene of the accident, on the way or in hospital. Mourners are gathered at his home in Unit N, Seke.

The late Mafunga, a former cashier with Chitungwiza Municipality, leaves behind three children - a girl and two boys. His wife passed on in July last year.

Mafunga was in Chipinge where he performed at the Chipinge Gala on June 24, organised in honour of national hero Ndabaningi Sithole.

Compatriots in the industry, Baba Machanic Manyeruke and Pastor Charles Charamba both said they were yet to get full details of what actually transpired.

Mafunga is renowned for songs that include Kubata KwaMwari, Endai Naizvozvo, Torai Jesu, Ndinzwireiwo Tsitsi and Vakaropafadzwa.

In 2015 he collaborated with Oliver Mutukudzi on two tracks, Munana Wekutanga and Kutenda Kusina Mabasa.