Source: Tongai Moyo Jnr remembers Gogo Chihera – herald
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
GOGO Chihera (94), the mother of the late sungura legend Tongai Moyo, lost her battle against asthma and complications related to her leg yesterday afternoon, triggering an outpouring of grief countrywide.
Her family described the nonagenarian as a strong, loving and visionary woman whose influence shaped not only her family, but also one of Zimbabwe’s most enduring musical legacies. She died yesterday afternoon at her rural home in Zhombe, Sosombe, Village 6.
Funeral arrangements are underway.
In an interview, family spokesperson and one of her grandsons, Tongai Moyo Jnr, said the family was devastated by the loss, describing his grandmother as the emotional and moral anchor of the family.
“Gogo Chihera died yesterday afternoon at home. We are broken as a family,” said Tongai Jnr. “She was a strong woman, full of love and energy.”
Tongai Jnr said he shared a particularly close relationship with his grandmother, who often told people that she saw her late son Tongai Moyo living through him.
“My relationship with gogo was strong because gogo used to say when I was available, she would tell people that I remind her of Tongai,” he said.
“Although my son is dead, I have another Tongai.” He said their bond was strengthened by everyday moments that carried deep meaning.
“We were very close because I used to bring her fodya (bute), that is where our bond actually clicked,” he said. “Besides everything else, you know, growing up sometimes you tend to forget some things, but we loved each other so much.”
Tongai described Gogo Chihera as knowledgeable, humble and a unifier who kept the extended family together.
“My grandmother was full of knowledge, and she was also humble, a unifier who united the family,” he said. “She had a lot of grandchildren and would look after many people. At our rural areas she housed many people. I know she catered for us many grandchildren, we are more than 10 people who stayed with her.”
Family members said that despite her long illness, Gogo Chihera remained strong in spirit.
“Gogo had been unwell for some time, but her strength never left her,” Tongai said. “She was our pillar — not just as a mother and grandmother, but as a teacher of values, humility and resilience.”
Tongai Jnr also spoke about carrying forward the musical legacy left by his late father, Tongai Moyo, who died in 2011 after a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“I am still in the music game and have been doing live shows here and there,” he said. “I also had live recordings at radio stations. I and my little brother Tanaka, including other siblings, are still reviving our father’s music.”
He confirmed that the family has opened channels for those wishing to assist financially, following an overwhelming response from well-wishers across the country and the diaspora.
“We are grateful for the love we are receiving,” he said. “Those who feel led to assist the family can reach out directly on 0773640632. Every gesture, big or small, is deeply appreciated.”
Gogo Chihera is survived by her daughter Merjury. Her two sons, Tongai Moyo and John Vanhuvaone, predeceased her. She is also survived by more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Born Esther Mhurai Zengeya in 1932, Gogo Chihera lived through a period of immense social and cultural change in Zimbabwe, raising her family with discipline and deep respect for culture. Her passing has reignited public reflection on the life and legacy of her late son, Tongai Moyo, affectionately known as the “Sungura Elder.” Rising from humble beginnings in Kwekwe and Zhombe, he became one of Zimbabwe’s most dominant musical voices. With hits such as “Naye”, “Samanyemba”, “Muchina Muhombe” and “Zvinoita Rudo”, Tongai Moyo built a career rooted in storytelling, social commentary and cultural pride.
Behind that success, family members say, stood the quiet influence of his mother.
“Gogo Chihera shaped the man Tongai became,” said a family elder at the homestead. “She raised him to respect people, culture and hard work. His discipline came from her.”
News of her death has sent ripples through the arts and entertainment industry, with musicians, promoters and fans paying tribute to a woman many described as a foundational figure in sungura music.
“When we lost Tongai, we lost a giant,” wrote one fellow musician on social media. “Now we have lost the woman who gave us that giant. May her soul rest in peace.”
Cultural commentators said Gogo Chihera represents a generation of women whose sacrifices were rarely documented, yet whose influence runs deep in Zimbabwe’s creative industries. “She may not have been on stage, but her impact was,” said one arts administrator. “These are the women who raised icons, often in silence.”
“Gogo lived a full life,” said Tongai. “What we ask now is dignity as we lay her to rest. We thank the nation for standing with us during this time of grief.”
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