Tributes pour in for the late Chiwonise Maraire.

Players in the music industry today reminisce with sorrow the life of mbira musician Chiwonise Maraire who passed away on this day 6 years ago. As the nation celebrates the life of the late icon, tributes have been pouring in.

Chengeto Brown, daughter to the late musician poured her heart out and remembered the good times she shared with her mother. She wrote,” You showed me love. I am love because of you. Your eyes where the first I looked into and fell for in an instant. I miss you deeply,but I feel you with me. Always and forever”. Chengeto is the daughter of Chiwonise and Andy Brown.

Other artists also shared heartfelt messages as they relived moments shared with the late singer. Hope Masike announced that she will be paying tribute to Chiwonise during her album launch on Friday by perfoming some of the late singer’s songs. She was mentored by Chiwonise during her lifetime.

Chiwonise succumbed to pneumonia at the age of 37. She was Zimbabwe’s very own music and cultural ambassador as she took her mbira beats to all corners of the world. Her list of accolades include her album “Ancient voices” being honored by Radio France (Decouverie Afrique” and being nominated at the Kora awards for best female vocals in Africa in 1999.

Chiwonise also composed soundtracks for movies and documentaries including Tanyaradzwa and sketches of Africa. She released hit songs such as Nhemamusasa, Ivai nesu and Wandirasa. Her angelic voice echoed melodiously to the African beat. Chiwonise was an accomplished mbira player and often said to go into a trance when she played the magical instrument.

Chiwonise left a gap in the music industry which has proved difficult to fill.