Lastword Musekiwa |  1 year ago | Entertainment

Tributes continue to pour in for legendary musician Zex Manatsa, who succumbed to cancer yesterday at the age of 78.

In a statement, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Nicholas Moyo said the death of Manatsa has once again robbed the nation of one of its most talented and celebrated artists who inspired many musicians such as Oliver Mtukudzi , James Chimombe , Lovemore Majaivana , and Simon Chimbetu.

Zimbabwe Music Awards corporate communications executive Benjamin Nyandoro also said Manatsa's wisdom will be missed by scores of musicians who had an opportunity to work with him and those who enjoyed his performances.

With a career spanning over six decades, Manatsa was also part of the musicians who sang during the attainment of independence in 1980 alongside reggae icon Bob Marley.

Manatsa was a uniquely talented individual who was not only concerned about his own musical career but also shared his talent with other musicians notably leading to the formation of the Sunrise Kwela Kings at Jairos Jiri Centre in Bulawayo where he advocated the inclusion of musical skills training.

During his long career, Zexie released many tracks, which have proved to be all-time hits keeping him top of Zimbabwe’s pop charts for many weeks. Manatsa was passionate about the welfare of artists. Growing up in an era when people looked down on musicians, he advocated for the recognition of music as a serious profession.

In 1979 he made history and broke records when he curated his wedding at Rufaro Stadium with fans paying $1 each to witness the ceremony. Rufaro Stadium was full to the brim with excited fans who had come to witness the amazing “Wedding of the Year”.

Last year Zexie Manatsa was one of the recipients of the NAMA legends@40 Awards for his consistent contribution to the development of the Zimbabwean Music sector

Mourners are gathered at number 3564 Westminister Rd, Sentosa, Harare.