Latoya Guveya, the wife of Selemani “Zaiko Ma Juicy” Mpochi, a dancer and vocalist for Orchestra Mberikwazvo, a Zimbabwean sungura music group, has died in Harare.
She passed away last night while her husband was on tour in South Africa. He has since travelled back to Zimbabwe this morning.
The cause of her death is not yet known, but sources close to the family said she had been unwell for some time. She is survived by her husband and their children.
Orchestra Mberikwazvo is one of the most popular and successful sungura music groups in Zimbabwe, led by Alick Macheso, who is widely regarded as the king of sungura. The group has released over 20 albums since its formation in 1997 and has won several awards and accolades.
Selemani Mpochi, also known as Zaiko Ma Juicy, is one of the longest-serving members of Orchestra Mberikwazvo. He joined the group in 2008 and has been a key figure in the band’s live performances and recordings. He is known for his energetic dancing and backing vocals.
He was also part of the group that won the Chibuku Road To Fame competition in 2007 with Romeo Gasa’s Extra Valembe band. He still works with Gasa as a session musician.
Latoya Guveya’s death has shocked many fans and fellow musicians who have expressed their condolences and sympathy on social media.