News / National
Tongai "Dhewa" Moyo, 1968 - 2011
16 Oct 2011 at 05:00hrs | Views
Tongai Moyo was a contemporary Zimbabwean musician, often referred to as "Dhewa". Born and raised in Kwekwe, Dewa rose to fame in the late 1990s as a solo-artist with the Utakataka express
Moyo (43) died at St Anne's Hospital in Harare at around 6pm Saturday after a long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
His widow, Miniehle Mukweli, confirmed the death Saturday night. The Utakataka Express frontman began his career in 1988.
He played in numerous bands and honed his art in Kwekwe, his hometown. He eventually joined Shirichena Jazz Band as a session musician, helping to release two albums and a single.
Moyo assembled the Utakataka Express before releasing his first solo album, Vimbo, in 1996. He is well known for hits such as Samanyemba and Muchina Muhombe. He had 14 albums to his credit.
His health deteriorated after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a few years ago.
He recently suffered renal failure, making it difficult for doctors to administer drugs that could have improved his condition.
He seemed to be getting better, but developed an infection last week which led to breathing problems.
He was placed on oxygen support after his health took a dip on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe Union of Musicians patron and Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu and Zimbabwe Newspapers chairman Dr Paul Chimedza led a campaign which raised more than US$11 000 for his treatment.
Speaking from his hospital bed earlier this month, Dhewa had urged his fans not to despair, saying he was responding well to treatment.
He said he would rest for the entire month.
"The doctors have started the process (treatment) and I am happy to say that I feel much better now.
"Once we are through with the process of administering the medication, I will be back on my feet, again thanks to the doctors and the minister (Shamu) for the support. As of now, people should just wish me well."
Moyo (43) died at St Anne's Hospital in Harare at around 6pm Saturday after a long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
His widow, Miniehle Mukweli, confirmed the death Saturday night. The Utakataka Express frontman began his career in 1988.
He played in numerous bands and honed his art in Kwekwe, his hometown. He eventually joined Shirichena Jazz Band as a session musician, helping to release two albums and a single.
Moyo assembled the Utakataka Express before releasing his first solo album, Vimbo, in 1996. He is well known for hits such as Samanyemba and Muchina Muhombe. He had 14 albums to his credit.
His health deteriorated after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a few years ago.
He recently suffered renal failure, making it difficult for doctors to administer drugs that could have improved his condition.
He was placed on oxygen support after his health took a dip on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe Union of Musicians patron and Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu and Zimbabwe Newspapers chairman Dr Paul Chimedza led a campaign which raised more than US$11 000 for his treatment.
Speaking from his hospital bed earlier this month, Dhewa had urged his fans not to despair, saying he was responding well to treatment.
He said he would rest for the entire month.
"The doctors have started the process (treatment) and I am happy to say that I feel much better now.
"Once we are through with the process of administering the medication, I will be back on my feet, again thanks to the doctors and the minister (Shamu) for the support. As of now, people should just wish me well."
Source - Byo24News
