GoFundMe Started To Bring Bhundu Boys Legend Rise Kagona’s Body Home

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched aiming to raise £8,000 to cover the costs of repatriating Rise Kagona’s body.

Kagona passed away in Scotland last Saturday at the age of 62. He was the last remaining original member of the legendary group, profoundly impacting the music scene in Zimbabwe and internationally.

The Bhundu Boys blended traditional Zimbabwean sounds with Western musical styles, achieving widespread success during the 1980s and 1990s. However, the band’s journey was not without its difficulties, including mismanagement and the devastating toll of HIV/AIDS, which ultimately led to the band’s disbandment in 1994.

Health Struggles and the Passing of a Musical Icon

Kagona’s health had been declining in recent months as he battled persistent symptoms, including a chronic cough and shortness of breath. According to a statement on the Bhundu Boys’ official Facebook page, these issues had worsened, culminating in his passing from what is believed to be a heart attack.

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Andy Cooke, the organizer of the GoFundMe campaign, remarked,

“Rise left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed paths with him, especially through his music. His ultimate wish was to return home to Zimbabwe, and now we’re working to make that happen so that his children can give their final goodbyes to their beloved father.”

Support from Friends and Fans

The fundraising initiative aims to cover the costs associated with transporting Kagona’s body back to Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean community and friends in the UK have pledged to support this final effort to honour a man whose music inspired millions. Cooke and other organizers expressed their commitment to ensuring Kagona is laid to rest in his homeland, where his children and family can hold a proper farewell.

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Kagona’s legacy lives on through his pioneering work with the Bhundu Boys and the many musicians he mentored. Friends, colleagues, and fans shared their sorrow over his loss, with one colleague saying, “Rise will always be remembered for his immense contribution to music, not only in Zimbabwe but across the globe.”