Langalakhe Mabena
Exactly three years since he died, a special cultural ritual, Umbuyiso, will be held on 19 August for the late rapper Mgcini “Cal_Vin” Nhliziyo as his family has confirmed the rapper’s tombstone unveiling details.
Cal_Vin died on 25 October in a hit-and-run accident after he was hit by a “white Mazda Familia” while he was coming from watching a marathon of soccer matches at a bar near his home in Luveve 5.
For the past three years, closure and justice seem to have been far from being attained as police are still investigating his death, with no clue in sight of who killed him.
Despite all the hardships and pain that his family and children have been going through, his mother Sinikiwe Luphahla confirmed to B-Metro that the family was preparing to hold a tombstone unveiling ceremony for Cal_Vin who was buried on 1 November 2020 at Lady Stanley Cemetery, an honour bestowed only to luminaries of Bulawayo for their great work in uplifting the city.
Umbuyiso, a ritual common to many African cultures and ethnic groups, will see the late rapper’s relatives and friends gathering to remember his time on earth, culminating in the unveiling of the tombstone.
The timing of this rite has often corresponded with the ceremony designed to transform the spirit of the deceased into an ancestral spirit.
His mother, Luphahla, said they were preparing for the day to run smoothly.
“We lost our son that we loved so much. Even if justice has not been accomplished in his case, it is important that his soul continues resting in peace. And in doing so, as a family we have agreed to host a tombstone unveiling on 19 August.
“The family and his close friends will visit where he is resting at Lady Stanley Cemetery. After we unveil the tombstone, celebrations will continue at home (Luveve 5), where there will be a stage for different performances from singing to dancing,” said Luphahla.
She asked for good Samaritans to lend a hand with any kind of donations so that the event is a success.
“As a family, we are spearheading the celebrations but uMgcini waye ngumuntu wabantu (he was a people’s person), therefore we are asking for donations from people from different walks of life to help us so that this day will be huge and a befitting honour to Cal_Vin,” said Luphahla.
