Legacy Of Garry Mapanzure

 *Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Garry Mapanzure: Over 10,000 Mourners Gather in Masvingo*

16 October 2023

*Dr. Munyaradzi Chidarikire*

Yesterday, on October 15, 2023, Masvingo citizens mourned and buried the popular and youthful musician Garry Mapanzure, aged 25.

His mother, a Businesswoman and Founder of Emmanuel Community Worship Centre in Masvingo, Resides in Morningside

Over 10,000 Masvingo citizens, including musicians, journalists, business tycoons, politicians from across the political divide, Christians, students, relatives, friends, neighbors, and popular Masvingo-based radio DJs, among others, attended Garry's funeral and burial.

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Additionally, at Garry's funeral, there was a vehicle convoy that stretched for approximately 10 kilometers.

This attendance shows Garry's influence and popularity.

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Masvingo City Mayor, Shantel Chiwara, aged 25, spoke at the funeral, "I am heartbroken by the sudden death of our best youthful musician, Garry Mapanzure, Langton Madima, and the child due to a road accident. May God comfort relatives, friends, and Masvingo at large. The high attendance at his funeral reflects that Garry was a people's person and a man of influence. Rest in peace."

The funeral and burial were also broadcasted live on different Facebook platforms and other online channels by media organizations such as Masvingo Mirror, ZBC, among others.

Popular Masvingo-based Hevoi FM DJ Kauleza commented that Masvingo and the world at large have lost a great musician who touched many lives with his top-notch music.

Also, DJ Masomere sent his condolences message to Garry's family.

The award-winning musician Garry died in a horrific accident on October 13, 2023, in Masvingo.

The fatal accident took place around Clipsham Park (Masvingo - Beitbridge road) at around 3 pm on 13 October.

Garry, his relative Margaret Zigomo, and her child were passengers in a Mazda Demio, which was being driven by his friend and Great Zimbabwe University law student, Langton Madima.

Their car collided head-on with a Honda CRV, which was being driven by Munacho Charuma.

Charuma and Zigomo are currently in the hospital. Unfortunately, Madima and Zigomo's child died on the spot, and Garry died at the hospital.

Garry died at Masvingo Geneal Hospital after he failed to secure an aircraft to take him to Harare for specialized treatment by neurologists.

Commenting on the need to improve the health system in Masvingo Province, Zanu PF Masvingo West member of parliament and Masvingo Residents Minister Ezra Chadzamira said, "I want to acknowledge that there is a great need to have medical specialists and the best medical facilities here in Masvingo. I concur with Masvingo Urban member of parliament (CCC Advocate Martin Mureri) for highlighting the need to have well-equipped health facilities and well-trained medical professionals in Masvingo."

The poor state of Masvingo public health facilities and the lack of highly trained specialists such as neurologists was first highlighted at Garry's funeral by CCC Masvingo Urban member of parliament, Advocate Mureri, during his speech at the graveyard.

Masvingo Urban member of parliament, Advocate Mureri, said, "Yes, it's true that death cannot be stopped when the time is up. However, we must do what is humanly possible to provide the best treatment to our citizens by providing the best medication, the best health facilities, and the best medical personnel. We, as Masvingo citizens, must work together to improve our health system."

Rev. Tichafa Hlomai of Harvest House Masvingo and also Masvingo District Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) said, "We have lost a dedicated musician as a church. He (Garry) was a praise and worshiper par excellence. May God comfort his wife, child, mother, and family at large."

Garry is survived by his wife Vimbai, who works in the United Kingdom, and his one-year-old son, Thomas Junior.

CCC Masvingo senator, honorable Margaret Chakabuda, who is also a neighbor to Garry's parents in Morningside, said, "We lost a great son in our community. We are devastated and in deep pain. May God comfort his family. Our prayers are with them in this difficult moment."

Charismatic Pastor Katenjere preached a powerful sermon at the funeral service.

In addition, Bishop Ranger Moyo, EFZ Masvingo provincial deputy chairperson, said, "Garry's life is a testimony that one can use his music gift and calling to inspire others."

Garry won three music awards, and he released many songs, which include Wapusa, Moyo Muti, Your Man, Slow and Pindirai, Truth and Dare, among others.

Kyle College High School students sang at Garry's funeral. Garry is a former Kyle High School student.

Also, Garry's wife Vimbai (who is also a musician) sang at his funeral.

In addition, Garry was the chief executive of the unique label African Sushi wear.

CCC Masvingo North Ward 8 councillor Musekiwa, in his vote of thanks, appreciated Masvingo residents for uniting in this difficult moment and urged Masvingo residents to work together to improve the health system.

"Garry was passionate about music and he also wanted a crime-free society. Garry had promised me as his former councillor to mobilize resources to build a police station in Morningside, his area of residence, to prevent criminal activities. Unfortunately, he died without fulfilling this promise. We shall work to make his dream materialize," said Zanu PF councillor Manyanga.

Apostle Takavarasha, Apostle Charles Josiya, and Apostle Musindo presided over the burial of Garry.

Garry was buried at the Lawn Cemetery, Masvingo Urban, at around 5 PM.

Some of the high-profile persons who attended Garry's funeral include Dr. Makurira, Mrs. Mazorodze, the Mhunga family, CCC councillor Esther Zishiri, CCC councillor Alec Tabe, CCC councillor Alaika Time, CCC councillor Benic Muchokwa, and the Morningside executive committee.

The writer of this article was Garry's friend and also a wedding Master of Ceremonies who shared the stage with Garry