Cde Chinx, a hero in many ways

EDITOR — THE death of Cde Dickson Chingaira, better known as Cde Chinx has robbed the nation of an illustrious Son of the Soil.

Cde Chinx made a sterling contribution to the liberation struggle from the mid-seventies to independence.

We heard his voice on Radio Mozambique alongside Nyasha Maposa, singing revolutionary songs that gave impetus to the struggle.

Through his music we learnt what the struggle was about.

Through his music we made friends with the boys and girls carrying the AK47.

Those of us in their mid and late teens crossed into Mozambique to train as freedom fighters because of his powerful message.

After independence, Cde Chinx’s music enjoyed a new lease of life.

His passion for peace and reconciliation saw him singing great songs like Roger Confirm.

His 1992 rendition of ‘Vanhu Vese VemuAfrica’ was no mean achievement. Some people thought it was the new national anthem. In short, it was a great show of genius by the veteran singer.

The veteran vocalist and song maker will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism. The ‘Hondo yeminda’ project saw him take another risk equal to his earlier decision to join the Struggle.

The agents of neo-colonialism among us labelled him a villain and shunned his music, but look at the success of Command Agriculture. Many of his detractors will feast from the command plate while the Hero lies in his grave.

The sad thing about Cde Chinx is that he never made a fortune out of his contribution to the Liberation Struggle and the music industry. But that makes him even a bigger hero because heroes are heroes because they sacrifice for other people’s benefit.

Rest in peace Comrade. Your deeds are written in our freedom and liberty.

Nhamo Muchagumisa,

Penhalonga.