HARARE-Legendary Musician Zex Manatsa succumbed to cancer at 78 years

His official page on Facebook which was shared by his son Tendai Manatsa confirmed the development 

“with great sadness, we would like to let everyone know that our Father, Our Legend, Pastor, and Sekuru Zexie Manatsa has succumbed to cancer. May his soul rest in peace 01/01/44 to 20/01/2022” 

Manasta launched his musical career in 1859 at 17 in Mhangura, in 1968 he joined the Sunrise kwela Kings as a bass guitarist for a year

Manatsa made his name with his band “THE GREEN ARROWS” in the early 70s when he bellowed hits such as ‘Chipo Chiroorwa, Musango mune hangaiwa, Vaparidzi vawanda, Chechule ana vala bottom, Nyoka Yendara, Muti usina Zita, Tiyi Hobvu, Dzvinyu, Highlanders, Makepekepe and Tamirira Dynamos”

In 1979 Manatsa made history when he decided to get married to his long-time partner Stella. His then promoter Jack Sadza exploited Manatsa’s popularity and cashed on the wedding. It was titled the “Wedding of the Year” and Rufaro Stadium was the venue and fans were to pay $1 each to witness the ceremony. On the 25th of August 1979 the 60 000 seater stadium was filled to capacity

On the day of the wedding the then Prime Minister of Zimbabwe/Rhodesia Bishop Abel Muzorewa was campaigning for the forthcoming elections had organised a rally at a different venue in the capital. The following morning the Daily Mail had a screaming headline “Zexie’s Wedding Spoils Muzorewa’s Rally”.

Manatsa’s death reduces the number of Zimbabwe’s Big Five to ever fill the Rufar Stadium in the 1970s- 80s to its full capacity with fans to two as he joins Tinei Chikupo and Oliver Mtukudzi leaving behind Thomas Mapfumo and Lovemore Majaivana.

Manatsa is survived by his wife Stella Manatsa (nee Katehwe) and six sons Green, Aaron, Tendai, Freedom, Shingirai, and Taku Zex Jr. he had 12 grandchildren.