The Sunday Mail
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
CHRISTIANS recently commemorated the Easter holiday, which celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The is an important occasion on the Christian calendar as it signifies forgiveness of sins and the restoration of worshippers’ relationship with God. During services, people were baptised while the Holy Communion was taken as part of activities that indicated a renewal of the covenant with God.
For Catholics, hymns that depicted hope, happiness and forgiveness characterised their celebrations. Interestingly, most of the songs used during such events were composed by the late Christine Chirau-Takura, who was a music legend in the Catholic liturgy.
Chirau-Takura unfortunately passed away on March 23, 2024, during Lent, after battling cancer for some time. By the time of her demise, she had produced at least 24 acknowledged Catholic hymns. Her most prayerful canticle “Litany Kuvasande Vose” was popular during Easter vigils. Her other compositions include “Denga Napasi Zvichapera”, “Hadziperi Ndangariro”, “Handikodzeri Mambo”, “Ivai Netsitsi Mwari”, “Iye Anouya Muzita raMambo” and “Jesu Anonamata Ari Mugetseman”.
The late composer’s nephew, Beauty Chirau, said she was a gifted musician who contributed to the Catholic worship through her compositions.
“Tete always said her musical journey was inspired by the Holy Spirit. She used to say when she was sleeping, she could hear the Holy Spirit singing to her. This was after she was advised by one composer during a music course in Masvingo to pray for Grace,” said Beauty. Born to Manondo Savanhu and Regina Chitaunhike at Mutake, near Makumbi Mission, in 1954, Chirau-Takura’s musical journey began when she was aged 14.
She was inspired by Father Cosmas Katuruza at Makumbi Mission. Fr Katuruza used to teach her music. Because of her passion, Fr Katuruza later took her to other renowned composers for a music course in Masvingo. “She spoke highly of Fr Katuruza . . . Later, she started originating sacred Shona music compositions. She was the first female lay person to have a tune approved by the Archdiocese of Salisbury, now Harare.
“The song ‘Makakombererwa Kwazvo Mai vaJesu’, which was done in 1970, was her opening composition,” revealed the niece.
The late composer did not have the privilege to advance beyond primary school.
She got married in 1975 and wedded in 1986.
Most of her compositions were inspired by personal life experiences.
“She got married in 1975 and only started conceiving 12 years later. This inspired most things in her life, including naming her eldest child Precious. She also composed several songs around the real-life events, talk of songs like ‘Makandinyukura Mambo Mumvura Zhinji’, ‘Mambo Ndimi Makandibatsira’, ‘Makanaka Mambo’ and ‘Makarurama’,” she said.
The mother of three was a prayer warrior.
Her favourite food was sadza and chicken. She also loved coffee.
Apart from personal experiences, she also used bible verses in her compositions. She had a special liking for John 1:1-13, which speaks of being born again.
“She loved music and praying. Even when she was sick, she was always singing praise songs because she had so much trust in God.”
Archdiocese of Harare Sacred Music Ministry chairman Stanley Mambo applauded Chirau-Takura for her commitment towards church work.
“The fact that Mai Takura started composing songs when she was a teenager and reaching a milestone of 24 approved compositions demonstrates that she was very dedicated and loyal to serving the church and evangelising through music.
“Despite composing many songs, she remained humble and was largely not known by the younger generation despite many singing her songs,” said Mambo.
He further said her compositions have great depth and are relevant to real-life situations — joyous and sad occasions.
“One of her compositions, the ‘Litany of All Saints’ is sung almost at all ordinations and during Easter baptisms. Many of her songs are popular around the country and are sung at mass. The major lesson we took from her is to use your talent to the fullest and remain humble no matter how successful or famous you have become,” said Mambo.
Archdiocese of Harare composers’ association chairman Mike Tigere described her as gifted in different ways.
Chirau-Takura is survived by her husband and three children.
