HARARE – Tafi Nyamunda, the rhythm guitarist for sungura maestro Alick Macheso, has revealed that he contemplated taking his own life after suddenly losing his eyesight. Tafi, renowned for his guitar work on Macheso’s hit songs such as “Zuro Ndizuro” and “Macharangwanda,” shared his harrowing experience, stating that the problem began while he was watching television at home with his family.
According to Tafi, the issue started with his left eye before both eyes went completely blind moments later, leaving him reliant on an assistant for mobility.
The news of Tafi’s condition was brought to light by a fan during Macheso’s homecoming show at Warren Park bar last Friday. Moved by the revelation, fellow fans at the venue rallied together to contribute funds for his upkeep and medical expenses.
In an interview shortly after the news broke, Tafi disclosed that he suffered from severe depression following the onset of his blindness.
“It started when I was just watching TV at home, I saw a cloudy vision on my left eye and the right one followed,” Tafi recounted. “I can’t see any more, I am just seeing a blurry vision and a very faint light whenever I face anything bright.”
Tafi admitted that he had considered ending his life due to the overwhelming despair. “Yes, I wanted to commit suicide but when Mudhara (Alick) Macheso discovered this, he quickly guaranteed me that my life was in safe hands like any of the band members,” he said.
“He assured me that I will receive his help, and that God was watching over me. I had decided to commit suicide because I was depressed, my mind got affected too hence I turned suicidal. I could not imagine myself in this situation, that I can no longer see my children, the fans and being aided to go anywhere I want, saka ndakanga ndangoti kungofa kuri nani (so I thought it was better to die).”
Tafi revealed that he had even planned the method of his suicide. “I was going to ask my child to accompany me to buy a pesticide at a local shop, pretending as if I wanted to use it for other business and then drink it,” he confessed.
He expressed immense gratitude to Macheso for intervening and talking him out of his suicidal thoughts.
“Mudhara Macheso often sat down with me for counseling until I told myself that this wasn’t the end of the world and that I was still safe,” Tafi explained. “My message to anyone deciding to commit suicide is that, firstly seek advice to any of your problems, you are going to be surprised after realising that your problems were far lighter than problems with most of the people on this earth.”
Tafi emphasized Macheso’s unwavering support, stating, “Macheso mushonga we hupenyu in silence (Macheso is a life-saving medicine in silence). I am surprised there are many people in worse situations than me. He is still helping today.”
“He also got disturbed after hearing that I had contemplated committing suicide. I thank him for his advice that I am not the only one facing physical challenges,” Tafi added.
He further acknowledged the challenges faced by other members of the Orchestra Mberikwazvo band, saying, “We have Lucky Mumiriki and Pfonda Pfonda, who had a road accident on his way home, and many from the band and the general public around Zimbabwe.”
Despite his condition, Tafi affirmed his commitment to continue serving the band, stating, “When you passionately love and pursue what you love most, God will always land you on the apex like where I am now with the best sungura Zimbabwean band. I will continue playing for Orchestra Mberikwazvo despite my condition because I am doing what I love.”
Currently, Tafi is being assisted by Macheso’s uncle, Francis “Sekuru Poto” Charamba, who continues to perform at Macheso’s shows.
“His condition is a challenge, but we have been standing united in support making him feel loved as we follow our boss Macheso, our management and the whole brand because Tafi is one of us,” Sekuru Poto explained.
“We are a team, and anyone’s problem affects us all, this is how we are made at Orchestra Mberikwazvo. He has been receiving medical attention and our management is working hard to get professional help,” Sekuru Poto added.
Before joining Macheso, Tafi was a member of Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria’s Khiama Boys band and is fondly remembered for his rhythm guitar work on the popular track, “Mazano.”
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