Zimbabweans mourn veteran drummer

Vambe is famous for preserving the mbende jerusarema drumbeat, which has become synonymous with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s (ZBC's) news bulletin.

“It is true, my father is no more," Vambe’s daughter, Pamela, told a local publication. "He suffered a stroke last week and we took him to Parirenyatwa. We are saddened by this, we are in mourning.”

Fans and Zimbabwean arts organisations have been sending their condolences since news of the musician's death was made public.

“The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe board, management and staff expresses its sincere condolences to the Vambe family, the arts fraternity and the nation at large on the passing on of a talented renowned drummer Douglas Vambe,” the NACZ said.

“The nation has lost a master practitioner from Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe in the safeguarding of the mbende jerusarema dance, which was proclaimed a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage [of Humanity] by UNESCO in 2005.”

The NACZ said Vambe had kept mbende jerusarema, which is practiced by the Zezuru people, alive by imparting drumming skills, especially to young people.

“He also played a vital role in reviving the traditional dance groups that had disbanded and those that needed support through training in Zimbabwe. The NACZ will always cherish his talent, dedication and passion in the arts and culture sectors particularly in safeguarding mbende jerusarema in fulfilment of the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Government of Zimbabwe.”

A fan, Tapiwa Munjoma, wrote on Twitter: “Just learnt with great shock and disbelief of the passing of renowned drummer Douglas Vambe. The Marondera-based guru was popular for his jerusarema drum beating act, which has been used to announce ZBC news bulletins since 1961. Mashonaland East, let's give him a great send-off.”

Another Twitter user, Tony Tendai, wrote: "Just woke up to some sad news, I have lost an Uncle and Zimbabwe has lost one of its greatest drummers, Douglas Vambe popularly known for the ZBC news jingle. RIP sekuru, you will always be my hero."

Vambe was a member of the safeguarding committee established in 2007 to spearhead the protection of mbende jerusarema. He shared the stage with US R&B artist R Kelly and Colombian singer Shakira during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Mourners gathered in his home town of Marondera after news of his death.