Commemorating the late Tshivenda reggae star, Humbulani Colbert Muthude, better known as Jahman Chiganja, has become an annual event for thousands of fans and fellow musicians across the globe.
His sudden death in 2018 after a short illness caused a mighty quake in the music industry. This former agricultural science teacher at Ranndogwana High School became one of the most respected local reggae stars with a huge fan base right to the end.
Fellow musician and local reggae legend Shufflers Ragimana gets emotional remembering his best friend. "Life has not been the same since we lost him four years ago. Every year around February I start to feel depressed and downtrodden. This year is no different. I feel so lonely and heartbroken, as if he had just passed away yesterday. I will always remember him. He was my best friend and still has a special place in my heart."
Ragimana says he and Jahman Chiganja were "inseparable" and he still vividly remembers the times they spent together. "We used to do music, perform and record together and it was very nice. The song Shango lo vhifha muvhilini, which we recorded together in 2015, is still a hit among reggae lovers; everyone likes it. That is why I composed the song, Ndo humbula khonani yanga Chiganja (In remembrance of my friend Chiganja), which features on my latest album. May his soul continue to rest in peace," said Ragimana.
Another famous reggae icon, Kenny Murabi, also has fond memories of Jahman Chiganja. "I performed with him at various music festivals. Fans never wanted him to leave the stage because he was just such a great entertainer and loved by so many. He might be gone, but his music lives on. We will always remember him."
Prolific reggae maniac Avhashoni Johnny Be Good Tshivhiyahuvhi did not have enough words to express his respect for the late Jahman Chiganja. "I attended his funeral service that time. I will never forget the image of his casket covered in a Rastafarian flag. I believe that the reggae fraternity still owes him a huge music festival in his honour. I will definitely be in the forefront of various initiatives to make sure that we not only remember him in February, but throughout the 365 days of each year," he said.