It's a sad time for Zimbabwe's music industry following the death of Afropop singer Garikai Munashe Mapanzure, who suffered serious injuries in a road traffic accident along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway.
Garry, as he was affectionately known, grew up in church where he discovered his singing ability and honed his talent. He attended Kyle Preparatory School and continued to primary and high school at the same institution.
Garry started his musical career in late 2017 and released his first single 'Wapunza', which clocked over 2 million views on YouTube. In 2018, he won and became the 10th emPawa Africa pick, the firstever from Zimbabwe.
Through this initiative, Garry released a sizzling hit, Slow, which was uploaded on the emPawa YouTube channel. And 2019 saw the contemporary artist being nominated for the prestigious AFRIMA awards in the Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African R'N'B & Soul category for his song TV Room, a collaboration with Hillzy.
Music consultant and Sarungano Band Manager, Eugene Museredza, said, “It is so sad for young people with so much talent and vision in the industry to die so untimely, Garry was an inspiration to many young people and showing the world that music could be a rewarding carrier”.
Garry Mapanzure
Fellow musician, Benard Betera said, “The Music Industry has been robbed of a gem and may his soul rest in peace. I hope his family is comforted during this difficult season.”
Garry went to study Architectural Design at North China University of Technology, before being signed to UK, London-based record label, Runabeat Music. Under the label he released his first EP entitled, 'Sushi Season: The First', in March 2020.
His first world tour scheduled for March 2020 to support the EP's release was cancelled due to the global outbreak of coronavirus in March 2020. Garry resided in London, United Kingdom, working on future music audio and visual projects until the coronavirus pandemic passed.
He was back in the country at the time of his death. His sister and nephew were traveling with him in the same car. The two died on the spot and Garry fought for his life for another 10 hours. May His Soul Rest In Peace.