The late Zimbabwean music icon John Chibadura is set to receive a lavish tombstone, a tribute that reflects his remarkable musical journey and aims to preserve his legacy more than 26 years after his passing. Chibadura, who passed away on 4 August 1999 at the age of 42, remains one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated musical figures, remembered for his soulful mbira-infused tunes and his role in shaping the country’s contemporary music landscape.
The initiative to honour Chibadura comes through the efforts of Harare-based monumental mason Tendai Mbofana of Ngoda Granites, in partnership with journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who initially offered to fund the tombstone. According to Chin’ono, Mbofana refused to accept any payment, insisting that the gesture be done out of goodwill as a tribute to the late musician.
“I offered to pay for a new tombstone to restore the dignity of a man who gave us so much joy through his music,” Chin’ono wrote. “Tendai came forward and said to me, ‘Daddy Hope, you have done a lot for our country, allow us to play our part in our own way.’ What moved me deeply is that Tendai refused to take a single cent. He said he wanted to do this as his way of saying thank you to John Chibadura on behalf of all Zimbabweans.”
Zimbabwean Music Legend John Chibadura to Receive Lavish Tombstone, Honouring His Legacy
Mbofana also confirmed to Nehanda Radio that he would not charge a single penny for the tombstone, which is estimated to cost $5,000. “I am doing all this from the bottom of my heart. We won’t make the family pay. The tombstone we are putting is likely to cost at least $5,000. I believe it’s worth it for him,” said Mbofana.
The idea to renovate Chibadura’s grave was sparked after Mbofana saw circulating pictures showing the deteriorating state of the singer’s resting place. “After I saw those pictures on social media, I was really touched. How can we go on like this as a country, trampling on the legacy of our own musicians? These musicians shared their talents with us. We can’t watch people talking bad about our legends,” Mbofana told Nehanda Radio.
Mbofana, through his company Ngoda Granites, has a history of undertaking charitable projects aimed at installing tombstones for Zimbabwean musicians and actors who shaped the nation’s cultural landscape. Though his work often goes unpublicised, Mbofana revealed that he had previously been involved in the creation of memorials for music legends such as Cde Chinx, Paul Matavire, and Soul Jah Love, with the assistance of partners like Drewmas Media.
“The first tombstone we did for free was for Cde Chinx. After that, we did one for Paul Matavire in partnership with Drewmas Media. We also did one for Soul Jah Love; I really loved Soul Jah Love — his tombstone was worth $9,000,” Mbofana said.
The effort extends beyond musicians to other notable cultural figures. Mbofana disclosed that his team will also be erecting a tombstone for the late actress Mai Rwizi, who was known for her roles alongside Mukadota. “We have taken it upon ourselves that every year, we give out at least three tombstones to prominent community leaders or heroes of our day,” he added.
The project to honour Chibadura not only addresses the physical deterioration of his gravesite but also symbolically recognises the contributions of Zimbabwe’s cultural icons. Many fans and supporters see this move as a long-overdue gesture, ensuring that future generations remember Chibadura’s contributions to the country’s musical heritage.
Chibadura, known for his unique fusion of traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with contemporary sounds, left an indelible mark on the nation’s music scene. His songs, often imbued with social commentary and heartfelt storytelling, continue to influence musicians and resonate with audiences across Zimbabwe and the diaspora.
The installation of a new tombstone for Chibadura is expected to become a site of tribute and remembrance, allowing fans and fellow artists to celebrate his life and contributions. By combining professional craftsmanship with a deeply personal tribute, Mbofana and Chin’ono hope to restore dignity to Chibadura’s final resting place and inspire a broader appreciation for the country’s musical heritage.
This initiative reflects a growing movement within Zimbabwe to honour and preserve the legacies of cultural icons, particularly those whose contributions might otherwise fade with time. Through these efforts, the memory of John Chibadura, along with other artists and community heroes, will continue to inspire, educate, and uplift Zimbabweans for generations to come.
The project is a reminder of the enduring power of music and culture, and the responsibility of communities to safeguard the legacies of those who shaped national identity. For John Chibadura, the new tombstone promises to be a fitting tribute to a man whose life and music left a lasting impact on the nation.
Source- NehandaRadio
