Staff Reporter
Youths across the country say they feel honored that one of their own was given a liberation war hero status for the contribution he has made to the music industry as well as championing youth empowerment through music.
This follows the decision by President Mnangagwa to grant liberation hero status (formerly Provincial hero status) on Zimdancehall sensation Soul Muzavazi Musaka, popularly known by his stage name as Soul Jah Love.
Youths who spoke to this publication described the late Soul Jah Love as a “ghetto preacher” and a “ghetto teacher” whose message resonated with the youths.
“Soul Jah Love was a ghetto teacher. He was a ghetto preacher whose music inspired a lot of youths. We listened to his music to get inspiration. He was not just an ordinary musician but he was a man who used his talent to teach, instruct and rebuke people. We thank the President for giving him a hero status,” said Talent Kuwaza of Bindura.
Obert Chakabva of Mt Darwin said the youths have been robbed of their role model.
“We have been robbed of our role model. The songs that Soul Jah Love sang were those that touched almost every aspect of the way the ghetto youths lived. He sang songs that consoled people who lost their loved ones, those that had lost hope and those who might have wanted to commit suicide. We have been robbed of a true role model who inspired many youths,” said Chakabva.
Mercy Ncube of Glendale also hailed the Government for declaring Soul Jah Love a Provincial hero.
“I thank the Government and President Mnangagwa for recognizing the works that the late Soul Jah Love did and making him a hero. It will inspire us as the youths to continue serving our country as we will be recognized for our contributions to the country’s development,” said Ncube.
Meanwhile, Government has sent condolence messages to the Musaka family
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the death of the 31 year old Soul Jah Love had robbed the music industry of a great chanter whose music had influence across the generation.
The late Soul Jah Love died on Tuesday night upon arrival at Mbuya Dorcas hospital in Harare. He will be buried tomorrow at Warren Hills cemetery in Harare.
