Memory “Madhiki” Mashakada, daughter of the late sungura musician Cephas Mashakada, has publicly cleared musician First Batani — popularly known as First Farai — of longstanding allegations that he embezzled funeral contributions 15 years ago.
The controversy resurfaced recently on social media following a viral video in which fellow musician Gift Amuli accused First Farai and a member of the Mashakada family of misappropriating condolence funds collected during Mashakada’s funeral.
However, Madhiki has strongly refuted the claims, describing them as baseless and malicious.
“First Farai did not steal any funeral contributions. All the money was properly accounted for,” she said.
“It is time people stop talking about something that happened 15 years ago.”
Madhiki said Farai was not only a musician but also a relative who had been trusted by the family during their time of grief.
“He has always been a trusted member of our family. Those resurfacing this issue are cowards peddling lies meant to tarnish his name,” she said.
The allegations resurfaced at a time when First Farai was recently elected vice-chairperson of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association, prompting him to dismiss the attacks as malicious and driven by personal agendas.
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Farai has since reported the matter to police, leading to the arrest of Gift Amuli on cyberbullying charges under Section 164B of the Cyber and Data Protection Act. Amuli was granted US$200 bail on Friday and is expected to return to court on March 10.
The video that sparked the fallout shows Amuli, holding a beer, accusing First Farai and one of Mashakada’s daughters of embezzling funds collected at the funeral. The clip quickly went viral, reigniting debate within music circles.
Madhiki also took aim at critics within the music fraternity, including Zimdancehall artist Seh Calaz, urging them to stay out of family matters.
“At the time of my father’s death, there was no Zimdancehall to talk about. These young musicians should not speak about funeral issues they know nothing about,” she said. “They must not soil my father’s name.”
She warned that anyone who continues to drag her late father’s name into the controversy would face legal action.
“Let my father rest. Anyone who dares to drag his name into these petty fights, including the current wrangles at Zimura, will be sued. This must stop at once,” she said.
First Farai has also spoken out, describing the revived allegations as an attempt to frustrate him and derail his leadership role within Zimura.
“These claims are not about truth or accountability. They are meant to damage my reputation,” he said, adding that those behind the accusations were “cowards peddling lies.”
The episode has once again highlighted the power of social media in shaping narratives within Zimbabwe’s arts sector, as well as the tensions that often accompany leadership contests in industry bodies.
For the Mashakada family, however, the message is clear: the matter is settled.
“All the money was accounted for. People should move on,” Madhiki said.
