By Arts Reporter
QUESTIONS over what JAH “JP” PRAYZAH and his team will do to support families of two of his fans who passed away in Canada are slowly taking centre stage in entertainment circles.
The duo, Anotida Kimberly Maziriri and Eddmore Mafuwe, the two young fans tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Canada on July 11.
The accident occurred as they were travelling to Edmonton to attend Jah Prayzah’s live performance, which was part of his “Ndini Mukudzei Tour”.
Apart from issuing a statement expressing condolences, JP’s crew has not made any announcements on tangible support.
Repatriation plans are underway.
Jah Prayzah issued a statement shortly after learning about the deaths of the two fans, who were in their early 20s, extending his heartfelt condolences to their families.
Anotida Kimberly Maziriri
With both families still mobilising resources for repatriation, a process likely to take several weeks due to the high costs involved, JP’s team remains shattered by the loss.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Jah Prayzah’s manager Keen Mushapaidze urged the bereaved families to find strength in faith.
“We are still shattered by the loss of our two fans, but I cannot say much because a lot was said in Jah Prayzah’s statement that he issued this week (last week). We are all in pain and it is not easy losing a young life for any parent. The only comfort can come from the Lord,” he emphasised.
While many fans have applauded the team for their solidarity, others expect them to attend their fans’ funeral wakes.
“Like I said, the statement is clear, but on other issues, privacy has to be observed,” Mushapaidze noted.
Canadian show promoters Biggz Entertainment have also released a statement.
“On behalf of Biggz Entertainment, organisers of Jah Prayzah’s two shows held last weekend in Edmonton and Toronto, Canada, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of Edmore Mafuwe and Anotida Maziriri, who tragically lost their lives in an accident while on their way to the show. We stand in solidarity with both families during this time of grief. We can only leave it to God, our Comforter, Healer and Provider. Our thoughts are with you during these trying times,” read the statement.
Sources said burial is likely to take place after several weeks, as the families are still mobilising the necessary funds for repatriation.
“We have been attending the funeral wake, but we have been advised that they will update us on the arrangements. It is quite expensive to repatriate the body from Canada because it is too far,” the source shared.
“If it were the United Kingdom, which has direct flights and is a bit closer, it would have been easier to repatriate the bodies. We will only hear from them once everything is in place.”
Meanwhile, fundraising teams are actively working to mobilise funds for the repatriation.
Some have even called for leading funeral service providers to assist the grieving families.
Eddmore, whose family home is in Arlington Estate near the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, reportedly travelled to Canada in 2022 to pursue engineering studies at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia.
In a statement titled “Help Bring Eddmore Mafuwe Home to Zimbabwe”, his family stated: “We are deeply saddened to share that Eddmore Mafuwe tragically passed away in a car accident on July 11.
‘‘We are raising funds to return his body to Zimbabwe so his family can lay him to rest with dignity. Any contribution, big or small, will help us bring Eddmore home. Thank you for your support and prayers during this difficult time.”
Anotida’s family also released a statement: “Anotida was a bright light in our lives — kind, loving and deeply cherished. This sudden loss has left our family devastated.
‘‘We are raising funds to help cover funeral costs and ease the financial burden during this difficult time. Any support is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your love, prayers and kindness.”
