Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Trust Khosa
11 July 2009
Harare — ELTON Shingirai Majera, one of Assegai Crew's founder members has died.
The multi-talented instrumentalist died on June 26 after succumbing to pneumonia shortly after a tour of Beitbridge. Elton was 42 and is survived by wife Merjury and two children - Dion Tinashe (11) and Natasha (6).
He was buried at Chitungwiza cemetery the following day and his memorial service will be advised in due course. Assegai Crew's lead vocalist Thomas Marambita described the late Majera as a gifted artiste who was committed towards promoting Ragga Manyika pioneered by the late Stobart Chidikano.
"Mukoma Elton was now the heart and soul of the band after we lost other founder members over the years. "Like any other person, he might have had his weaknesses like booze but when it comes to work, he was determined to see the band scale greater heights.
"Under his tutelage, we have managed to transform Assegai Crew into a more formidable force and right now many people adore our music because of Mukoma Elton," he said. Marimbita hailed the late guitarist for an impressive body of art over the years saying he had left behind a void that would be difficult to fill.
"It's no doubt that he has gone with his talent. As we mourn losing him, we do celebrate his wisdom, talent and love. I also wish if he was around as we are about to record an album," he said. According to group's profile, Majera's music credentials dates back to the early 1980s when he formed Band Native together with the current Assegai Crew drummer Silas Makumbe and Samson Mataure.
However, the band disbanded with Majera joining Comrade Dick Chingaira's Barrel of Peace while Mataure joined Ekhaya Band that was fronted by the late saxophonist Fanyana Dube. Majera is also credited for being instrumental in the release of Cde Chinx's all-time classic Vanhu Vese VemuAfrica, which was nearly declared a national anthem at one point.
After cutting his teeth with Cde Chinx, he briefly joined the famous Black Eagles that was fronted by the late Robson Banda He had had another stint with the Mighty Four Brothers although he never stayed long as he was determined to move on perfecting his career.
Majera joined Assegai Crew in mid 1990s and helped the group record their debut album in 1997 that contained the plug hit Kanyama Karipi. The late guitarist also stood up with the band even after the death of Stobart as he was instrumental in Assegai Crew's next three albums - Maborororo, Maimboti and Nyararisa.
At the time of his death, Mujera had extensively toured the country with Assegai Crew mainly as supporting acts to Alick Macheso and Tongai Moyo. Meanwhile, the band has since regrouped and on the verge of recording an album. Band members comprise drummer Makumbe, Marimbita (lead vocalist), Luke Chiwanda (keyboardist) and lead guitarist Brian Nhanhanga.
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