STORIES BY WINSTONE ANTONIO AT 31, award-winning dancehall singer Soul Jah Love, born Soul Musaka, may have touched many lives through his deep lyrics. In life, he may have been misunderstood, but was undoubtedly gifted. In death, he has moved mountains if the outpour of condolences is anything to go by. From political leaders, creatives, fans, promoters and producers, among others, who took to different social media platforms to express their condolences, Soul Jah Love, also known as Sauro, Chibaba, Chigunduru and Mwana waStembeni, among others, has proved that he was, indeed, the King of Zimdancehall. Soul Jah Love rose to prominence in 2012 with hit tracks such as Ndini Uya Uya and Gum-Kum. Within a few months of hogging the limelight, Soul Jah Love bagged two gongs at the 2013 Zimdancehall awards ceremony for the Best Collaboration and Best Upcoming Artist. Because of his flexibility, the dreadlocked artist, who started singing while in high school, continued to rise and managed to work with a number of artistes among them Winky D, Shinsoman, dendera maestro Sulumani Chimbetu and South African-based urban groover Nox Guni. Soul Jah Love became one of the few dancehall chanters to play alongside a live band, The Conquering Family. Part of his discography includes Naka Dhula Dhaka released in 2018 and Zviri Pandiri Zvihombe (2019) and several singles that became national anthems. Through his lyrical prowess, Soul Jah Love was often compared to top Jamaican singer Vybz Kartel. He was known for his signature Chibabababa, Hauite Hauite, Conquering and Mafundan’a. National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Nacz director Nicholas Moyo said the death of Soul Jah Love had left a big void in the Zimbabwean music industry. “The NACZ would like to convey its sincerest condolences to the Musaka family following the death of Soul Musaka aka Soul Jah Love. May the family find solace in the comfort of the Lord,” he said. “Soul Jah Love’s death has robbed the nation of one of its talented young musicians who pioneered the production and promotion of Zimdancehall music from the high-density suburb of Mbare to national prominence.” Moyo said Soul Jah Love’s lyrics took the nation by storm. “Soul Jah Love emerged from a crop of youngsters who were hungry for success in the music industry with their mix of Jamaican-influenced reggae beats with Zimbabwean style lyrics which resonated with the experiences of youths across the country,” he said. “He will be sorely missed by his legions of fans and the entire music fraternity in Zimbabwe.” Nelson Chamisa Opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa concurred, saying the nation had lost a giant in the music industry. “Young talent gone too soon, one of a kind. The music industry is poorer without this rare gift. My condolences to all Soul Jah Love fans, his family and friends. May God grant us comfort and fortitude during these trying times,” he posted on Twitter. Winky D Fellow Zimdancehall icon Winky D said: “Dear Sauro, since it is now in excruciating pain our fate we should all acknowl