Harare — PRESIDENT Mugabe has said the deaths of Sam Mtukudzi and Owen Chimhare robbed Zimbabwe of two young men of great promise in the music industry.

In a condolence message to the Mtukudzi and Chimhare families yesterday, President Mugabe said Zimbabwe must value artistes' contributions to defining "the soul of the nation".

Sam (21) and Owen (22) died in a car crash along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway in the early hours of Monday morning.

"This particular accident dramatises yet again the hazards always stalking our road users, more so the youthful ones. Our nation has been robbed of two youngsters of great promise and future in the music industry.

"For me personally, it has always been delightful to follow the musical career of the Mtukudzi family, a career which, through Sam and his sister Selma, appeared set to broaden and branch out in its graceful flourish.

"Alas this was not to be. Today, a vital shoot of that great musical tree stands broken, stumped and wilting.

"On behalf of the inclusive Government, my family and on my own behalf, I wish to express heartfelt condolences to the Mtukudzi family, especially Baba naAmai Mtukudzi and the Chimhare family on this very sad and heart-wrenching loss.

"Our nation joins them in mourning the departure of these two budding stars," he said.

The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces added: "As we mourn their demise, we must, as a nation, take a moment to reflect and acknowledge the demanding role fulfilled by all artists  both living and departed often with very limited means and prospects.

"They define the soul of our nation, inspiring it to greater personality and accomplishments.

"Today, they stand stricken for losing two of their own in this one tragic incident."

In his condolence message to the Mtukudzi family, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said: "Sam was taken at a time when we all felt that his creative intellect and artistic talent were both coming to their ripening."

He said the music industry was poorer due to Sam's death.

Zimbabwe Union of Musicians patron, Information Minister Webster Shamu said the nation was still in a state of shock.

"Our deepest commiserations are with the Mtukudzi and Chimhare families as well as the entire music fraternity during this tragic and trying period.

"On behalf of the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity, the Zimbabwe Union of Musicians, and on my own behalf, we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Mtukudzi and Chimhare families as well as the entire music fraternity on this tragic loss.

"We are with you during this difficult period and berea-vement. May their souls rest in eternal peace."