System Tazvida’s Widow Says She Still Misses Late Music Legend, 26 Years Later

Fanuel “System” Tazvida’s widow, Barbara Mabuyaye, says she still deeply misses her husband, who died on February 4, 1999, at the age of just 31.

Tazvida, the founder of Simple Music of Original Kanindo (SMOKO) and leader of the legendary Chazezesa Challengers, passed away at a time when his career was rising fast, and he was becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most popular musicians.

More than two decades later, his music is still widely played in commuter omnibuses, beerhalls, homes and at family gatherings.

He is best remembered for socially aware and emotional songs such as Anodyiwa Haataure, Zvawaida Zvakakona, Ane Wake Ngabereke and Vagere Havadaro.

Speaking to H-Metro, Mabuyaye said she now survives by buying and selling various goods to earn a living and support herself. She said:

“Sometimes I feel like he will come back and be with me, giving me true love.

“I will always miss the quality time we spent together and all those memories we created as husband and wife.

“I have accepted the fact that I am a widow, but I need to work because tears won’t put food on the table.

“Though the wound is still fresh, I find relief because System taught me to work hard.

“I buy and sell things like most ladies out there, and I don’t regret it because I am not begging like many widows.”

She says Tazvida empowered her financially during his lifetime. Said Mabuyaye:

“I learned a lot from Tazvida, who used to give me money to run my business.

“He earned well but, as his wife, I had to contribute by working for myself and playing my part.”

Mabuyaye said that royalties from Tazvida’s music continue to help her make ends meet. She said:

“My husband worked hard and I can safely say I am still surviving on some of the royalties I receive.

“I’m not sure how they calculate them, but I am just content with what I have because I also work for myself.”