Takawira Dapi
RISING Zimdancehall star Madzimai I-Candy, real name Tadiwanashe Tricell Makako, faces a daunting challenge that threatens to dim her otherwise bright musical future.
The talented artiste burst onto the scene in August last year after triumphing at the annual Zimdancehall Harare Cup Clash held at the City Sports Centre.
Her commanding performance captivated the crowd, earning her the coveted trophy and the adoration of fans. Following this resounding victory, Madzimai I-Candy was swept up in a whirlwind of recording deals and show bookings, which set her for a meteoric rise. But just a few months later, social media erupted with news of her diagnosis of brain cancer.
Reports suggested the promising young artiste faced a tough battle, with surgery on the horizon.
Madzimai I-Candy
This turn of events forced her to withdraw from the end-of-year Zimdancehall Cup Clash in December, and she was compelled to reschedule numerous recording sessions.
However, in a recent interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment, Madzimai I-Candy dismissed the rumours.
“It is true that I have not been well, but that is a part of life.
‘‘It is unfortunate, though, that some have chosen to play doctor and diagnose me with an illness I do not have,” she said.
“My recent experience has given me a deeper understanding of the situation my brother in music, Seh Calaz, finds himself in.”
The chanter expressed her dismay at the lengths some bloggers will go to fabricating stories simply to garner views. Seh Calaz publicly explained his condition yet people still feel entitled to draw their own conclusions, further diagnosing him and suggesting various ailments.
“I understand how he feels and I want to encourage him to stay strong. He must not be discouraged by negative comments. I pray for his speedy recovery.”
The Johanne Masowe eChishanu sect member and divinely voiced songstress then clarified the nature of her health issues.
“I am not suffering from any cancer-related illness. Those were simply rumours spread by content creators desperate for clicks,” she stated emphatically.
She went on to explain: “The truth is that I have had recurrent headaches since I was in Grade Four. The pain is sometimes unbearable, causing dizziness and, at times, I even collapse.”
The artiste expressed her concern that this condition could ultimately jeopardise her promising music career.
“Back in school, I could barely participate in sports or other physically demanding activities because of these severe headaches.
‘‘I fear that I might eventually collapse on stage if this problem persists. However, I pray that I will find a solution soon,” said Madzimai I-Candy.
Her moniker, Madzimai, is a reflection of her upbringing in the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic sect. Tragedy struck Madzimai I-Candy’s family in 2020, when her father passed away at the age of 43.
He was laid to rest at the Zororo Cemetery in Chitungwiza, leaving a void in their lives.
Her mother, Patience Makako, is still alive.
“My father is late. He was from Chipinge. My mother is around and stays in Chitungwiza. However, I was brought up by my paternal grandmother, Rudo Marata, and my uncle, Dumisani Hlupo, my father’s brother,” she said.
She is the only child from her father’s side but in total there are three children from her mother’s side.
Born on September 18, 24 years ago, the chanter is currently single and childless, but she is set to become engaged to DJ Nash (Munashe Foti) later this year.
“I want to thank my fans for their prayers and support. I am feeling much better now and ready to get back to work. It is through their love and support that I look forward to each new day,” she said.
The musician added that she has returned to the studio and will be releasing several new tracks this year, including collaborations with Ndunge Yut and Boss Pumacol.
She concluded by encouraging fellow young people to shun crime and abuse of drugs and other substances.
