Tears, drama, controversy at Chinga’s funeral

Murmurings, sorrow, imposing welcome for celebrities and chants against Prophet Shepherd Bushiri characterised the funeral ceremony of the late gospel musician Grace Chinga.

The ceremony attracted pomp in Blantyre on Saturday with some people having travelled from Chikwawa, Mulanje, Lilongwe and other parts of the country to pay their last respects.

Chinga’s family said the songstress succumbed to a headache on Wednesday night.

However, there were a lot of theories on what killed Chinga and some people clearly returned home unconvinced.

Rumours that made rounds on the social media that Chinga did not die a natural death continued and most people at the ceremony could be heard debating the same.

Reports that South Africa-based Bushiri and Pastor Hastings Salanje would attend the ceremony further electrified the mood.

The atmosphere at Robin’s Park, where the funeral ceremony was held, received mixed reactions. While some mourned Grace earnestly, others took the ceremony for granted as they turned it into platform to attack others.

Other people went to the funeral just to cheer up musicians, chanting names of those arriving.

For example, Lucius Banda, Skeffa Chimoto and stand-up comedian Andreya Thonyiwa, aka Mr Jokes, attracted massive reactions from people, especially women.

Speaking on behalf of Chinga’s family, gospel musician Martha Pingasa aka Favoured Martha said the social media had blown Grace’s death out of proportion.

“People should not believe whatever is written on the social media because the reports are completely false. They should verify information or consult concerned parties before making their own judgement to avoid complicating issues,” she said.

Born on June 28 1978, Grace is survived by three children Steve, Miracle and Israel.