Pinjisi’s Widow Breaks Silence: A Young Mother’s Struggle to Keep a Dream Alive After Sungura Star’s Tragic Death
Six months after the tragic death of sungura musician Tatenda Pinjisi, his widow, Melissa Chikuti, is grappling with the immense challenge of raising their five children alone while nursing a wound that refuses to heal. In a heartfelt plea, the 31-year-old has opened up about her daily struggles, her determination to honour her husband's memory, and her hope for a future he was cruelly denied.
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| Melissa Chikuti, widow of the late sungura star Tatenda Pinjisi, is raising their five children alone. |
"I Feel As If He Will Come Back"
For Melissa Chikuti, the passage of time has done little to ease the pain of losing her husband, who died at 33 from injuries sustained in a road accident. "It’s now been six months since my husband’s death and I would be lying if I said I have healed," she confessed. "Pinjisi was the breadwinner of our family, who loved all his children equally and treated me like a queen."
The constant presence of their children, the oldest aged 12 and the youngest just over a year old, serves as a poignant reminder of her loss. "His death has left me nursing this wound and every time I look at our children, I am reminded of him more than ever. I feel as if he will come back and it’s hard to accept."
A crucial step in her healing journey is the legal process. A magistrate in Norton is set to deliver a sentence to the person responsible for the fatal accident. "We are scheduled to go to the Norton Magistrates Court... where the sentence will be read," she shared. "This is part of my healing process. While we won’t be able to see him again, the court proceedings have been ongoing for months, and I will be there to hear the outcome."
The Legacy of Tatenda Pinjisi
Tatenda Pinjisi was a torchbearer of "soft" sungura. His career began in his youth, and he later joined Gift Amuli's Zvishavane Sounds as a rhythm guitarist before going solo in 2015 with his band, Holy Super Sounds.
He shot to national fame with his debut album 'Rumbidzo Kumusiki,' which featured the massive hit track "Saina." The song received overwhelming airplay and became a fan favourite. He followed this success with his 2018 album "Chibhakera Chenyasha" (Fist of Grace), which was also well-received and praised for its social commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melissa Chikuti is the 31-year-old widow of the late Zimbabwean sungura musician, Tatenda Pinjisi. She is now the sole provider for their five children.
He died at the age of 33 from injuries he sustained in a road traffic accident in Norton. The accident also claimed the lives of three other people.
She is appealing for capital from well-wishers to help her expand the school uniform manufacturing business she started with her late husband. She is a skilled designer and wants to grow the business to support her family.
Tatenda Pinjisi was a popular sungura musician known for his hit song "Saina" from his debut album 'Rumbidzo Kumusiki.' He was celebrated for his "soft" sungura style and was the frontman for the band Holy Super Sounds.
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