Chi saddened by Andy Brown’s death

Chiwoniso Maraire

Mbira maestro Chiwoniso Maraire former wife of the late Andy Brown, yesterday said she could not say anything on the passing of the man she was once very close to saying, ‘‘It is too painful’’. 

Maraire’s marriage to Brown ended in 2001. It was marked with high passion with allegations of Brown being violent with her on a number of occasions. Their union was however, one of the most powerful meeting of authoritative musicians in marriage.

Brown was instrumental in shaping Maraire’s early music exploits. Her album, Ancient Voices which included the hit song Amai, that set her on the world map was arranged by Brown. Brown, 50, was understood to be unwell since returning from a trip to Switzerland about three weeks ago.

According to a family member, he had pneumonia which worsened over the last two weeks. It got bad and he collapsed at home and was taken to Parirenyatwa hospital where he died on Friday. Brown was arguably one of the most talented guitarists to emerge from Zimbabwe. 

Brown leaves behind 10 children whom he fathered with different women including two with Maraire. He then later settled with Nadine, his current wife, with whom he had his last children, Andy Brown Jnr, six, and Alzaeed, three. His other children are Devona , 29, Amarra, 22, Shahla, 20, Alexander, 16, Chengeto, 15, Chiedza, 12, Ushe, 10 and Jason, nine. 

Chengeto and Chiedza were sired with Maraire. The news of his death started trending on social networks, Facebook and Twitter soon after he was pronounced dead at Parirenyatwa. Zimbabweans within the country and abroad took to the social media to express their loss. (Dailynews)