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The arts fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of an up-and-coming artiste, Chiedza Brown. Chiedza, 15, the youngest daughter of late songstress Chiwoniso Maraire and Andy Brown, who was living with her aunt, Tawona Maraire, in Texas, US, allegedly committed suicide on Saturday.Her sister Chengeto Brown, announced the death on social media networking site – Facebook over the weekend. “We’re heartbroken to share the news that Chiedza Brown tragically passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2015.

“Chiedza was a loving daughter, sister, cousin and friend. She was a remarkable girl who touched the lives of everyone who met her,” posted Chengeto. She said Chiedza was an accomplished singer, painter and actress who like her mother, was gifted in playing the mbira. “She was known to all for her bright energy and was always laughing. She was an incredibly caring person who had dreams of pursuing her art and music career. She’ll be remembered for her energy, smile and love for all.

She went on to ask for privacy. “The Maraire and Brown families are asking for privacy as they mourn the loss of such a young life,” Chengeto said. Mbira musician, Hope Masike, through her Twitter account consoled the two families. Another musician Selmor Mtukudzi also expressed her grief over the passing away of the young artiste on her Twitter account. “We’re very sad to learn of the passing of #ChiedzaBrown. Our deepest condolences to the Maraire and Brown families.”

Through its director Benjie Nyandoro, Jive Zimbabwe, an organisation responsible for marketing music online said Chiedza’s death was a great loss to the music industry. “At that age, 15, she was already driven by her passion for arts and her death is a great loss,” said Nyandoro. Chengeto said burial arrangements would be announced in due course.

In 2013 at the now defunct Book Cafe, the late Chiedza and Chengeto vowed to keep their parents’ legacy alive through music. — Harare Bureau/Showbiz Reporter.