HARARE – ZimDancehall chanter Soul Jah Love died on Tuesday aged 31.
The talented musician, who battled diabetes, was rushed to Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare without a pulse and was declared dead upon arrival.
Born Soul Musaka, Soul Jah Love’s fans often called him by the Shona version of his name, Sauro.
Fellow dancehall maestro Winky D led the eulogies, writing on Facebook: “Dear Sauro, since it is so, now in excruciating pain. Our fate we should all acknowledge and embrace. Since it is written and ought to be, my grieving heart still rises in pain pride, and gratitude at your contributions to the musical narrative.”
Winky D said “not recognising you in the ZimDancehall story shall remain a travesty”, adding: “You traveled all musical thorny paths, even more, you conquered in your distinct way.
“No musical heart ever conceived it, dared to try your lyrical path. We won’t take back the hope you gave to the youths. And we shall forever cherish the memories. Rest in strong dancehall Riddims my Bredren.”
Winky D declared that the “Ndini Uya Uya” hit-maker was his favourite artist.
Soul Jah Love, often referred to as the Vybz Kartel of Zimbabwe for his “Chibabababa” and “Hauite” signature chants that featured in his multiple hits, constantly wrestled with his diabetic condition throughout his music career.
The versatile artist produced multiple hits which reflected his own personal life experiences.
“I can’t sing about a double storey home I don’t have, or a Porsche when I don’t driveone,” he once said.
He was a musical genius who was brutally honest about his flaws and mistakes.
“Soul Jah Love was a delicate balance of exceptional talent and recklessness in equal measure. Still, still, nuf respect,” tweeted journalism lecturer Alexander Rusero.
