Baba Harare warns pastors against controlling congregants after white wedding demand cost young man’s life

Jiti and Afro-fusion musician Baba Harare, born Braveman Chizvino, has urged pastors and other church leaders against seeking to control the lives of congregants, especially where that control goes against personal convictions or creates conflict within families.

Baba Harare issued the warning after the death of a 23-year-old Harare man, Canaan Mumba, who died just 18 days after paying lobola for his wife.

Mumba paid roora for his wife, Thelma Hliwayo, on 5 September and wanted to bring her home immediately to start their married life. Customarily, paying lobola allows a couple to live together.

However, it is alleged that church leaders barred him from doing so until a formal white wedding had been held.

The white wedding, which can take months to plan, was reportedly insisted upon by a pastor, at a time when Mumba was said to be not financially stable enough to host it.

Reports further allege that his wife had been staying in the custody of the pastor and that her relatives were being influenced in the decision.

After negotiations, the family was reportedly supposed to hand over his wife on Tuesday night, but this did not happen. Mumba was later found dead.

In a social media post, Baba Harare said he had been reflecting on the young man’s death.

“I’ve been thinking about the young man whose life was recently lost. I do not know the full circumstances, and I do not want to speculate about what led to his death. To his family and everyone who loved him, my heartfelt condolences,” he wrote.

His passing, he said, had made him think about the influence religious leaders can have.

“Pastors are human. They can offer guidance and support, but they are not infallible, and we should never treat them as though they are Christ. It is okay to ask questions, seek another perspective, and make decisions about your own life,” he said.

Baba Harare also warned against churches that demand members cut ties with their families.

“I also believe that joining a church should not mean cutting yourself off from your maternal or paternal family. Where those relationships are safe, there should be room for both your family and your faith community in your life. If a church insists that you abandon your loved ones or makes one ‘spiritual father’ the only voice you are allowed to trust, that is a serious red flag.”

He said faith should be a source of care rather than fear or isolation, and urged people to listen with compassion to loved ones struggling under religious expectations and to help them find support.

“No church rule is worth a life. Men’s mental health matters too,” he said.