By Jose Pedro Mbewe Andras
Mbare,Harare— On a Saturday afternoon on Ruseke Street, Mbare National turned into one big family gathering. Thousands of residents came out, not for politics or football, but to remember one of their own the late Stanley Musona, once the trusted bouncer for Chimurenga legend Dr Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo.
Speakers blared, Children danced. Elders sat on plastic chairs behind the big stage . And at the center of it all was music because that’s how Stanley would have wanted it.
“He loved everyone in the ghetto”
For many in Mbare, Stanley was more than a bodyguard. He was a neighbor, a big brother, and someone who always had time for people.
“He loved everyone in the ghetto and he showed respect to the elderly,” said his sister, Maria Musona Kanyuchi. Speaking to this publication as the crowd grew, she thanked everyone who showed up.
“As a family we sat down and talked about how we were going to remember our late brother. He had so many friends because of his love for music. That’s why we decided to bring Kurai Makore to entertain the community and set up a big stage for him.”
The stage was hard to miss. Banners with Stanley’s picture hung above it, and local DJs warmed up the crowd long before the main act.
Stanley first became known in the 90s and early 2000s working alongside Dr Mapfumo during the height of Chimurenga music. When he wasn’t on tour with the Guru, he came back home to Mbare.
After that chapter, he joined Munenzva Bus Company in the transport sector. That’s where another story of him emerged.
“He helped many people,” said Rudo Moyana, a neighbor who grew up with Stanley. “After working with the Chimurenga Music Guru, he went on to work at Munenzva. By that time he was also helping many people from our hood to cross over to South Africa, looking for greener pastures. That’s how we remember him. Someone who had love for everyone.”
People in the crowd nodded as she spoke.A few wiped their eyes. Others clapped.
Stanley’s close friend Innocent, who introduced himself simply as “a brother,” took the microphone between sets. He didn’t give a long speech. He just thanked Mbare.
“I want to praise the community of Mbare for showing love. For coming to help me remember my close friend. This is what community is.”
And the community did show up. Mbare is known for producing musical talent, and on this day that spirit was on full display. Local artists opened the show, getting the crowd moving with sungura, dancehall, and old Chimurenga classics.
Then came the main act. Kurai Makore took the stage and did not disappoint. He played for nearly an hour, mixing his own hits with songs that had people singing along word for word. Between songs he told stories about Stanley, calling him “a quiet man with a big heart.”
Organizers said they wanted it to feel like a celebration, not just a memorial. So alongside the music, volunteers served free food and beverages to the thousands who came through.
By sunset, Ruseke Street was still full. Groups sat on the pavement sharing plates of sadza and chicken, and swapping Stanley stories.
“He was a protector,” one elderly man said. “First he protected Mukanya on stage. Then he came back and protected us, by helping us.”
In Mbare, that’s the kind of legacy that gets remembered in style. With music loud, the stage full, and the whole street showing up.
