Cephas Mashakada dies

SUNGURA artiste Cephas "Motomuzhinji" Mashakada has died. He was 51. The Sounds of the Muddy Face frontman, who had been battling diabetes for years, passed on at Chitungwiza Central Hospital yesterday afternoon following multi-organ failure.In an earlier article, in our Entertainment section, we report that the musician is critically ill and admitted at Chitungwiza Central Hospital.

He, however, passed on later in the day around 2:20pm. Alick Macheso and Hosiah Chipanga were by Mashakada's bedside when he breathed his last. The fiery lead guitarist collapsed at his Chitungwiza home last week after he developed a chest infection and had to be rushed to the hospital, where he was admitted into the intensive care unit.His health deteriorated after doctors diagnosed him of kidney failure.
The dreadlocked musician, who has recor-ded over 15 albums in a career spanning three decades, released Nyaradzo Yakaitwa in 2004, his top selling album to date. Samson, a hit song from the album, was the Zimbabwe Music Awards Best Song for 2005.Mashakada was born in Chinhoyi in 1960.

He teamed up with other boys from the farming town and formed the Wild Ten in 1977.
Other members of the group include the late Biggie Tembo who later found fame with the Bhundu Boys, Jacob Teguru, Franco Kazere and the late David Ziome.The group moved to Harare, then Salisbury, in 1978 at the invitation of Paul Mpofu of the World Tomorrow Band that had toured Chinhoyi.
In Harare, the group found a base at Saratoga Night Club in Highfield, except Biggie and Franco who became members of the Wild Dragons that later became the Bhundu Boys. Since they were merging two groups, the Wild Ten and World Tomorrow Band, it was decided that a new name be found and they settled for the Muddy Face. 

The group was to taste success after Job Mashanda's emergence releasing such hits as Amai Mandigona, Rakabuda Zuva MuAfrica and Denga Rababa.When Job left, Cephas and Mpofu produced their own hits such as PaInyanga, Kilimanjaro and Nherera. Mpofu left in the late 1990s to start his own group, Zambuko, but Cephas remained and soldiered on.His backing group was renamed Sounds of the Muddy Face. It is widely believed that he honed his music career in the Salvation Army Church in Chinhoyi. His parents were members of the same church. With The Sounds of the Muddy Face, Mashakada released a string of hit albums such as Tenda Midzimu Yako, Nhamo Yehuroja and Rino Idandaro.These are some of the albums that spawned hits such as PaInyanga, KuKariba and Denga Rababa among others.

The artiste penned songs highlighting the sacrifices made by the country's heroes. Such songs include Ndarangarira Gamba and another one that highlights the importance of the Unity between Zanu-PF and Zapu.Mashakada's spiritual side later beckoned and he began recording spiritual songs.These include Basa Ndasiya Ndapedza, Mharidzo, Shamiso, Zvapupu, Nyaradzo Yakaitwa, Samson Haana Mhosva and Zita Rine Zvarinoreva. In 2006, Mashakada's career was dealt a severe blow when he was diagnosed with diabetes, which led to his right leg being amputated. He received treatment at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, which he had helped raise funds at benefit concerts at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex.Mashakada was also a permanent feature at most of the country's music galas.Prior to his death, the artiste had done a collaboration with Nyaradzo Mashaya-mombe as part of measures to repackage his music and give fans value for their money.Mourners are gathered at his Chitungwiza home, in Unit B.