The widow of late sungura musician System Tazvida, Barbara Mabuyaye, is counting her losses after a fire destroyed property and badly damaged four rooms at her...
The widow of late sungura musician System Tazvida, Barbara Mabuyaye, is counting her losses after a fire destroyed property and badly damaged four rooms at her home in Unit N, Chitungwiza.
The fire broke out last weekend while Mabuyaye was at work, leaving part of her home extensively damaged. The incident has added to the challenges faced by the widow, who survives through various small businesses.
Mabuyaye has since appealed to friends, well-wishers and members of the public for assistance as she works to restore her home. She said the situation had become difficult and that she had reached a point where she could no longer cope with everything on her own.
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“I have been a victim of cyberbullying but right now things are not well for me,” she said.
“I can’t stand this anymore but I know God has a reason for everything. My relationship with God is now at another level and I can’t thank Him enough,” she said.
Mabuyaye lost her husband in 1999 and said widowhood had taught her resilience, independence and the importance of hard work. Since his death, she has worked to provide for herself through buying and selling while facing the challenges that come with running small businesses.
“After losing my husband, I learnt the hard way that I had to work hard,” she said. “I am involved in buying and selling but, like everyone else, we face many challenges in life.”
“In my case, I have learnt to be hardworking and I will always do my best to provide for myself,” she added.
The latest incident has drawn sympathy from friends, neighbours and members of the arts community, who have expressed their support following the house fire. Mabuyaye has been described by people close to her as a resilient woman who has endured years of hardship while working to preserve the legacy of her late husband.
System Tazvida, who died in 1999, was one of Zimbabwe’s celebrated sungura musicians. His death left Mabuyaye as his widow, and she has remained connected to issues concerning his legacy and estate.
Mabuyaye is also among the widows of musicians who have formed an association aimed at empowering and supporting one another. The association provides a platform for musicians’ widows to work together and address issues affecting them.
She has also remained vocal about matters surrounding her late husband’s estate and royalty entitlements. Her position has received support from other musicians’ widows who believe they have not received their fair share from local royalty collection bodies.
The fire has therefore come at a difficult time for Mabuyaye, who has continued to rely on her own efforts and small businesses to support herself. The damage to her home has left her seeking assistance as she begins the process of restoring the affected rooms and replacing destroyed property.
Despite the setback, Mabuyaye said she was determined not to allow the incident to define her. Her faith remains an important source of strength as she faces the latest challenge.
With friends, neighbours and members of the arts community expressing sympathy and offering support, Mabuyaye remains hopeful that well-wishers will respond to her appeal and help her rebuild her home.
For Mabuyaye, the fire represents another difficult chapter in a life shaped by loss, hard work and resilience. She continues to draw strength from her relationship with God while working to rebuild her home and preserve the legacy of the late System Tazvida.
