By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Steven Lunga who was the current leader of the popular Kwekwe based Chigiyo music outfit Zig Zag band has passed away after a long illness.
He was 55 years.
A fellow member of the band Issac Phiri confirmed Lunga’s death saying “He had not been well for a while, but we never thought it would come to this.”
He further added that “We hoped and prayed for his recovery, but it was never to be. Maybe it was God’s time. All the same, we give glory to the Almighty for the wonderful times we shared with him. May he rest in eternal peace,” added Phiri.
Zig Zag Band was founded in 1982 when the late Steve Lion was a primary school kid and it was formed by Blacks Unlimited lead guitarist, Gilbert Zvamaida, Stanley Phiri (late) as well as brothers George Paradzai Lunga and Gilbert Lunga.
The band was also known for its traditional classic hits such as Gomo Ramasare, Hombiro, VaMandela, Nyarunde and Ropa Remukaranga, among others. Steve Lunga also composed popular tracks such as Zamuninga (Chigiyo Chegorero album), Vashandi (Ndoita Ripi Zano album), and Wandinoda (Chigiyo Vibes album.
In 2013, the group came back into the limelight with a 10-track album, Harder than a rock.
The death of Lunga has left a void in the group and Zimbabweans especially fans of the Zig Zag band heartbroken.