Mashakada's daughter clears First Farai in funeral funds storm

MEMORY "Madhiki" Mashakada, daughter of the late sungura musician Cephas Mashakada, has publicly cleared fellow musician First Farai of longstanding allegations that he embezzled funeral contributions collected 15 years ago.

The controversy resurfaced recently after a viral video circulated on social media in which musician Gift Amuli accused First Farai and a member of the Mashakada family of misappropriating condolence funds raised during Mashakada's funeral.

However, Madhiki dismissed the claims as baseless and malicious.

"First Farai did not steal any funeral contributions. All the money was properly accounted for," she said. "It is time people stop talking about something that happened 15 years ago."

She emphasised that Farai was not only a fellow musician but also a relative who had earned the family's trust during a difficult period.

"He has always been a trusted member of our family. Those resurfacing this issue are cowards peddling lies meant to tarnish his name," she said.

The allegations have resurfaced at a sensitive time for First Farai, who was recently elected vice-chairperson of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura). He has described the renewed accusations as malicious and driven by personal agendas aimed at undermining his leadership role.

Farai has since reported the matter to police, leading to the arrest of Amuli on cyberbullying charges under Section 164B of the Cyber and Data Protection Act. Amuli was granted US$200 bail on Friday and is expected to return to court on March 10.

The video that reignited the dispute shows Amuli, holding a beer, accusing First Farai and one of Mashakada's daughters of embezzling funeral funds. The clip quickly gained traction online, sparking renewed debate within Zimbabwe's music circles.

Madhiki also criticised other artists who weighed in on the matter, including Zimdancehall musician Seh Calaz, urging them to stay out of what she described as private family issues.

"At the time of my father's death, there was no Zimdancehall to talk about. These young musicians should not speak about funeral issues they know nothing about," she said. "They must not soil my father's name."

She warned that anyone who continues to drag her late father's name into the controversy would face legal consequences.

"Let my father rest. Anyone who dares to drag his name into these petty fights, including the current wrangles at Zimura, will be sued. This must stop at once," she said.

First Farai echoed her sentiments, maintaining that the revived allegations were designed to frustrate him and derail his work within Zimura.

"These claims are not about truth or accountability. They are meant to damage my reputation," he said, describing his accusers as "cowards peddling lies."

The episode underscores the growing influence of social media in shaping narratives within Zimbabwe's arts sector, particularly amid leadership contests in industry bodies.

For the Mashakada family, however, the matter is closed.

"All the money was accounted for. People should move on," Madhiki said.