The multi-talented, award-winning artist, academic, man of the cloth, businessman and boxing trainer, Christopher Mukwevho (63), was finally laid to rest at Tshitomboni village, outside Thohoyandou, on Saturday.

Mukwevho was the leader and founder of the famous musical group, Thrilling Artists, and he was the headmaster of Mukhwantheli Secondary School, in Dididi, outside Thohoyandou. He died at Tshilidzini Hospital two weeks ago, after a short illness.

Mukwevho was a custodian of African culture who passed his knowledge to young community members with passion. He recently established Tshitomboni Thrilling Dancers, a group for his learners, specializing in traditional dances and pennywhistle playing. He started the Mohamed Boxing Club in 2001. A passionate traveler, Mukwevho visited Thailand, Singapore, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi on holiday. He was preparing to visit London at the time of his untimely death.

He started the group Thrilling Artists together with his two brothers, in 1970. He recorded and released Mukhada on ntshuma (1982), Hani-Hani (1983), Ri do tshila but once (1992), Africa (2000), Ha nga dzuli (1986), Ri a fhela (1988) and Kholovhulara (2005). He was working on an unreleased album, Pennywhistle and Mbila, at the time of his death. He was a keen player of traditional musical instruments like Dende, Tshihwana, Lugube, Tshitiringo and Marimba.

During the funeral, the highly celebrated reggae sensation, Colbert Mukwevho, described the late Christopher as a multitalented, humble and great artist whose legacy will live forever. "His death has left a void that will be impossible to fill. I wouldn’t have been in the music industry if it weren’t for him. He taught me everything about music and I am what I am because of him. He was truly a legend."

Family representative Paul Victor Simeron said that, during his youth, the late Christopher Mukwevho was a humble and obedient child. "We could see he was a born musician because he used to carry a home-made guitar to the bushes when he looked after the goats. The good that Christopher did will forever live after him. We learnt a lot from him."

Mboneni Rambani from the Department of Education said Christopher was a pathfinder who had graduated from being an educator to parent. "Since he started teaching in 1970, he played a very important role in the development of education. He has produced prominent people who now occupy big positions in the public and private sectors. The education fraternity has lost a giant, hard worker in Christopher."