BY MOSES MUGUGUNYEKI
PROMINENT Gweru businessman-cum-musician and arts promoter Philemon Mubata has died.
He was 53.
Mubata, who had interests in mining and property under his Big Valley Masters (BVM) company, succumbed to COVID-19 yesterday morning. Apart from recording music, Mubata was an arts promoter and supported up-and-coming artistes in the Midlands province.
He also bankrolled a football team BVM, which was in the Southern Region Division One League.
In the early 2000s, the all-rounder Mubata under the moniker Spocay, recorded a rhumba album at the then Baseline Studios owned by prominent music producer Tony G of the Tula and Bhetuludhe fame.
Mubata’s brother Costa confirmed his death, adding that BVM, as Mubata was affectionately known, would be buried today.
“He will be buried [tomorrow] today at the Destiny Memorial Park in Hertfordshire along the Gweru-Harare Highway,” Costa said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Reggae icon and founder of the Midlands Arts and Culture Festival (MACfest Zimbabwe) Joe Wailer said the death of Mubata had robbed the creative industry of a man who committed his time to the upliftment of arts in the Midlands province. “Midlands province has lost a great personality who was not only a hardworking businessman, but also a passionate music sponsor who assisted many artistes in the province,” Wailer said.
“Mubata was the first businessperson to sponsor MACfest Zimbabwe when he helped us bring Winky D to Gweru for the first time in 2008. Personally, I have lost a brother and a very dear friend. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”
He is survived by a wife and four children Wayne, Wensley, Wendy and Wenister.
Mourners are gathered at his house in Northlea, Gweru.
Follow Moses on Twitter @mmugugunyeki2
