Diva Mafunga Biography | Background | Wife | Career | Albums | Awards | Arrest | Death
Diva Mafunga was a Zimbabwean gospel musician from Harare. He had become popular with his debut album ‘Endai Naizvozvo’ in 2003. He was a former Chitungwiza Municipality employee. Mafunga died on 4 July 2023 in a car accident.
Background
In the 1980s, he grew up in the rural areas of Chisodza in Mount Darwin, where his love for music blossomed. As his passion for music developed, he started singing in church.
Rumours circulated that Diva Mafunga had been born blind, but he firmly denied this falsehood.
Wife
He was married to Eustine.
Music Career
His love for music had its roots in the early 1980s. By 2003, he had recorded a few songs and approached Gramma Records with his demo tapes. Unfortunately, the management at Gramma Records turned him away, citing that his music did not meet their standards.
Undeterred, he pressed on and recorded his debut album, ‘Endai Naizvozvo,’ at Shed Studios. The album was released to the public, marking the beginning of his musical journey. Following his debut, he went on to release several other albums, including ‘Fambai Nekutenda’ (2004), ‘Pfuurirai Mberi’ (2005), ‘Ndicharamba Ndichidana’ (2007), ‘Spiritual Battle,’ ‘Zvangu Zvaita,’ and ‘Ndatenda Ndapinda.’
In a notable collaboration, Diva Mafunga enlisted the late Oliver Mtukudzi‘s talent to feature on his album, “Ndatenda Ndapinda.” Tuku’s superstar presence graced two tracks, namely “Munana Wekutanga” and “Kutenda Kusina Mabasa,” both of which became part of Mafunga’s seven-track album, professionally recorded at Diamond Studios.
Tuku contributed his powerful vocals and acoustic guitar skills to these songs, adding a unique touch to the project. Moreover, Mafunga also brought renowned drummer Obert Gomba, a former member of Orchestra Mberikwazvo led by Alick Macheso, on board as a session instrumentalist for the same album.
Arrest for Fraud
At one point, he faced an arrest for allegedly defrauding his employer, Chitungwiza Municipality, but he was later acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
He firmly believed that the accusation was driven by ill intent to damage his reputation. Following the incident, he received a one-year suspension but was eventually reinstated.
In 2008, he made the decision to resign and follow his passion for music and never looked back.
Awards
Diva Mafunga won the Legendary Award at the PERMICAN Ceremony, which took place at the City Sports Centre in 2019.
Death
On July 4, 2023, Diva Mafunga passed away. According to sources, the musician had died in a road traffic accident.
