Big man with a big heart
THERE is a very good chance that at the time of his sad and tragic passing, Munyaradzi Musarurwa was living the way most people around the world are surviving right now, under the harsh and uncompromising weight of Covid-19.
After all, if there is one thing that the last five or six months have taught us, it is the fact that the virus does not discriminate against race, creed, social standing or geography.
But what sets this former bodybuilder apart from many sportsmen and sportswomen who have lost their lives this year, is the unifying legacy he leaves behind.
It must have been American author Shannon Adler who said it best: “Carve your name on hearts and not tombstone, for a legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
And while there are many juicy Jackson — as Musarurwa was affectionately known — stories, they all have one running theme, unity.
Musarurwa, who was 52, died in a car accident along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Road in Harare on Sunday.
He can be best described as the end product of what happens when sports and entertainment meet.
On one hand, he was an actor who featured in local dramas such as Cobra and is best remembered for featuring in Jah Prayzah’s music video “Mukwasha”.
He was also a former chairperson of Highfield Gym (2000-2003), which is credited for churning out talents such as Collin Mushunje, who is an ex-Mr Zimbabwe Junior Men Bodybuilding champion.
Musarurwa was drafted into the Zimbabwe National Amateur Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Association as head of security and held that post from 2006 to 2008.
He also served as a judge at various competitions, with the top being Musclemania Zimbabwe, and also competed at the inaugural Harare Strongman (2015).
At the Strongman contest he finished sixth, a feat that shot him to fame as he was 47-years-old at the time.
In 2016, when efforts were made to revamp Harare Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association structures, Musarurwa was named secretary-general.
As the entire bodybuilding fraternity continues to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, two individuals — Leon “Master Lee” Mulachila and Quiet Shangai — have since come out with stories and memories of Musarurwa.
Both are former running mates, training partners and were close friends of the late athlete.
“I had known Jackson for some time through his works on television and dramas, but we only met some time in 2015,” said Mulachila.
“It is actually a funny story. My first interactions with him were via a WhatsApp group ‘Big Boys’, which combined local bodybuilders and karatekas, and we would often butt heads on spiritual matters.
“One fateful day he then challenged all the group members to see if anyone could match or surpass his training regime, and even put up US$50 as the price.
“I accepted the challenge and we made plans to meet up at Life Fitness Gym, after which I won the bet, money and his respect.
“He came to me afterwards and declared that we were to be training partners from that day onwards,” said Master Lee.
That respect soon turned into an enduring friendship, which makes his passing more saddening.
“I first heard the news of his passing in a WhatsApp group we were both in, called Harare Giants, and remember being in shock and actually disbelieving the news at first.
“I actually called and texted his number to verify, but got no response.
“I only accepted it as reality when I spoke to his brother, who confirmed the news,” he said.
“Jackson had a big heart and was always thinking of others.
“There was never a person in need, a funeral or problem he did not try to assist.
“I remember my last conversation with him, some time ago, in which he called to check up on me and warn me to stay safe from this Covid-19 pandemic.
“He gave me some tips as to how to keep myself safe and protect my kids,” said Master Lee.
Shangai, who is secretary-general of the National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness, described Musarurwa as a close friend rather than a fellow bodybuilder.
“My relationship with Jackson was more personal. We met through his cousin Collin Mushunje, and I quickly discovered that we were like-minded people.
“When I heard the news, I first thought of how we have really lost a pillar in the bodybuilding, fitness and strength-related activities’ fraternity.
“I thought about myself as a person; I got a lot of support from Jackson, and he made me believe in myself, whether it be in judging, administration, academics and professional life.
“I then thought of the many people he has helped and elevated, and those that he never got the chance to help, and could not help it, but drop a tear or two,” Shangai said.
“Jackson was a man of many faces; he was a father and husband, a businessman, a friend and an advisor and helper to many people.
“However, the best word to describe him was unifier; Jackson valued unity.
“His funeral, which attracted people from all walks of life — corporate executives, bodybuilders, friends and karatekas — represents what he was all about, a unifier.
“I remember our last conversation in which he stressed about the need for me to further my education,” Shangai said.