At 28, Mafika, who succumbed to brain haemorrhage had managed to carve a niche for himself, and judging from the polish in his acts, he was certainly on the verge of a breakthrough.
Born on October 31 1983, the husky voiced nyunga-nyunga mbira maestro was in a class of his own, and his untimely death has robbed Zimbabwe of yet another rising star.
The versatile musician, who obtained a degree in music from Midlands State University, had taken mbira to a wider audience, including young people steeped in hip hop and urban music.
The freshness of his husky voice earned him an enthusiastic following across the globe.
He frequently toured Europe where his music received wide support and rave reviews. His fusion with other global rhythms such as R&B, roots reggae, hip-hop and South African influences such as mbaqanga in some of his musical stops catapulted him to international exposure.
There was a cosmopolitan touch to his music, and Mafika was always experimenting with the nyunga-nyunga in order to elevate its global reach. In spite of the bloom of his career, Mafika always maintained his composure, maintaining a cool, calm and collected self which endeared him to many of his fans.
Before he was admitted into hospital a fortnight ago, Mafika was in studio putting final touches to a new album titled Black to Colour.
The music on his new project, constructed using an eclectic selection of musical instruments, portrayed Mafika in a whole new light.
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His lyricism on the album touched on a wide range of issues, including love, freedom and peace but the ultimate beauty of his work was in the precise manner in which he plucked the mbira keys and made them “sing”, touching many hearts.
Mafika worked with about everyone that matters in the music industry in Zimbabwe. He had one album, Dzimwe Nguva, to his name. He was passionate about identifying and grooming young talent.
Mafika’s love for the mbira instrument, the nyunga-nyunga to be precise, was legendary. He prided himself in having taught a number of young and upcoming musicians how to play the instrument.
He also worked closely with children from St Giles, teaching them how to play the mbira. His selflessness and dedication will be an integral part of his legacy.
At the time of his death, Mafika was actively involved in putting together a High Schools Musical Concert to be held at St Peters Kubatana in Highfields.He will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace.
