Michelle Amuli, popularly known as “Moana,” was a Zimbabwean socialite, fitness enthusiast, video vixen, and model. She gained fame through her vibrant social media presence, featuring fitness tips, dance videos, and fashion content.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 6, 1994, Michelle “Moana” Amuli was the daughter of Ishmael Amuli and hailed from Zimbabwe. Her father’s side of the family identified with Muslim descent, and Moana grew up primarily in her father’s household.
Career and Achievements
Rise to Social Media Stardom
Moana became a well-known figure on social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, where she shared her fitness journey, yoga practices, and workout routines. Her engaging content and captivating personality earned her a substantial following.
Video Vixen and Modeling
In addition to her social media presence, Moana ventured into the entertainment industry as a video vixen and model. She appeared in music videos for prominent Zimbabwean musicians, including Jah Prayzah, ExQ, Takura, Freeman, and Enzo Ishall.
Brand Influencer
As a brand influencer, Moana collaborated with companies such as Chicken Hut and Frosty (By FoodCon Zimbabwe), promoting their products and services to her followers.
Tragic Demise
On November 8, 2020, tragedy struck when Moana was involved in a fatal car accident. She was among the passengers in Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure’s Rolls Royce Wraith, which collided with another vehicle along Borrowdale Road in Harare. The crash resulted in a fire that claimed the lives of all occupants inside the vehicle, including Moana.
Birthday Celebration and Final Moments
On the day of the accident, Moana was celebrating her 26th birthday at Ginimbi‘s nightclub, Dreams Nightlife Club. The birthday festivities were documented on social media with photos and videos, showcasing the extravagant celebration.
Religious and Cultural Burial Disputes
Following her untimely death, a contentious battle arose between Moana’s paternal and maternal families over her burial rites. Her father insisted on an Islamic burial, as he had raised her as a Muslim, while her mother argued that Moana was no longer practicing the faith at the time of her passing.
High Court Ruling
The matter reached the Harare High Court, which ruled in favor of Moana’s father, granting him the right to proceed with an Islamic burial for his daughter. The court recognized that Moana had not officially renounced Islam or converted to Christianity before her death.
Funeral and Legacy
Moana’s burial took place in accordance with Islamic traditions, and her remains were laid to rest, accompanied by friends, relatives, and loved ones. She left behind a legacy of being a vibrant social media personality and a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Rememberence
Her fans and followers continue to remember and celebrate Moana’s life, appreciating her work ethic, fitness journey, and positive impact on social media.
