By Sindiso Dube Legendary musician Zex Manatsa who succumbed to cancer on Thursday will be buried today at Warren Hills Cemetery in the capital.
He was 78.
The Manatsa family made the announcement at their Mabelreign home in Harare and issued a statement via social media platforms on Friday.
“We would like to advise the nation of Zimbabwe that our father Zex Manatsa will be laid to rest on Sunday January 23, 2022 at Warren Hills Cemetery,” read a statement on Facebook post under the name Zexie Manatsa.
“Mourners are gathered at 3564 Westminister Road, Mabelreign, Harare.”
A chapel service for the late Chipo Chiroorwa singer was held yesterday at Nyaradzo Funeral parlour before his body was taken to his home where it was received by hundreds of mourners, who included family members, artistes, congregants, politicians and music fans.
The government accorded a state-assisted funeral to the musician. This came after calls for Manatsa to be declared a national hero.
“This state-assisted funeral is the third recognition bestowed by the government to a family of the deceased after national hero and liberation hero status,” said National Arts of Zimbabwe director Nicolas Moyo on Friday.
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“This does not mean you have to change your arrangements; it only means we have to be in touch in terms of your planning while you are on the forefront.
“Our government is happy to associate with the Manatsa family through conferring a state-assisted funeral for his immense works in the arts industry.”
Moyo said President Emmerson Mnangagwa and government joined the Manatsa family and the arts fraternity in mourning the legendary singer.
Born on January 1, 1944, Manatsa started his music career at a tender age in Mhangura, Mashonaland West province.
He went on to form the Green Arrows band and is well-known for songs such as Chipo Chiroorwa and the album Tsuro Soccer Star, which carried hit songs praising four soccer teams; Highlanders, Dynamos, Zimbabwe Saints and Caps United.
Manatsa also hogged the limelight when he wedded his lover Stella at Rufaro Stadium to a packed 30 000 attendants.
