HARARE, July 26 — Zimbabwean musician Chiwoniso Maraire, whose rich vocals and mastery of traditional instruments made her one of her country’s leading artists, has died aged 37, her manager said yesterday.

“She passed on last night at a private hospital in Chitungwiza (near Harare) where she had just been admitted,” manager Tsungi Zvobgo told AFP.

Her death was reportedly caused by pneumonia.

“She was a wonderful woman, a beautiful soul, mother, sister and above all a talented musician who will be missed by many.”

Her 1998 album “Ancient Voices” won her global critical acclaim, and was the highlight of a eclectic career.

Chiwoniso, as she became known, was born in the United States on March 5, 1976, the daughter of noted musician Dumisani Maraire.

She moved with her family to Zimbabwe in 1988, mastering the mbira—a thumb piano—and playing in family bands.

In 1991 she joined with two young artists Herbert Schwamborn and Tony Chihota to form Zimbabwe’s first hip-hop band “A Peace of Ebony.”

In 1992 the group recorded their first album “From The Native Tongue”, gaining cult following among urban youth.

She later joined top band “The Storm,” which was led by her future husband, as a backing vocalist.

In 1998 she released “Ancient Voices” a solo album which led to collaborations with country star Kriss Kristofferson and Senegalese singer Baaba Maal.

Zimbabwe’s minister for arts and culture David Coltart described her as “an accomplished artist whose music helped describe, define, and deepen our national experiences.”

“She inspired many young Zimbabweans to play the mbira and used her music to enrich our lives, challenge, inspire courage and make our tragedies bearable.” – AFP-Relaxnews