Marabha: Zimbabwe’s Comedy Icon Leaves Behind a Timeless Legacy

By Regina Pasipanodya

On April 19, 2025, the nation of Zimbabwe said its last goodbye to the number one local artist of all time, Charles Mapalume, whom we mainly know as Marabha. His death at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital was so crushing that his fans, colleagues, and all those who had been lucky to be with him in his comic acts, are still unable to recover from his loss.

Marabha was not just a comedian, he was a great orator, a cultural symbol as well as a source of joy in the hard times.

He was a man of the people who openly used his flair for humour to get a piece of the cake in the local entertainment showbiz.

His acts, usually characterised by the common man’s struggles, and typical life situations, reached the hearts of everyone in the country.

Together with comedy heavyweights like Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, Phiri, Bonjisi, Nyondeni, and Nyimo, Marabha shared the burden of entertaining the urban Zimbabwean society.

Marabha’s exceptional art of translating everyday occurrences into the funny was the way he engraved himself in people’s hearts.

At any of his performances, for example, street theatre, TV skits, or some brisk cinema, it was hard to fail to notice him. His good command of the comic, many hand gestures and simple speaking made it easy for fans of all ages to love him.

For his part, Marabha’s career was successful, but he was still encountering financial problems as well as his health was shaky.

He was admitted to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital until his last days, fighting with much determination to reclaim his former health.

Prince Ngoni Kelvin, Marabha’s co-patient disclosed very sad news on Marabha’s situation, who was dying gradually and who had to resort to charity for food and companionship.

Even in his darkest moments, Marabha didn’t abandon the lightness and the innocence that were his trademarks during his long battle with his disease.

His experience serves as evidence of the real struggle of many artists in Zimbabwe who, amidst battles, can make millions of people smile out of their happiness while not asking for assistance.

Marabha, however, never let his life trials take over the real him. His laughter, which was his genius, survived, and his memory is that of strength and commitment.
At the time of his death, tributes were received from fans, fellow entertainers, and even public figures.

Radio presenter Tafadzwa “Shugeta” Ben was amongst the first people to break the news and he was heartbroken because of the loss of his good friend.

Social media was full of messages praising Marabha for his contributions to Zimbabwean comedy, many also mentioned his iconic skits and unforgettable performances.
One of the fans on social media reminiscenced Marabha’s way of doing things, while another message from the same platform was filled with words of comfort, highlighting the personality’s fans whose help it poured down on was felt during the difficult times.

Marabha’s role in the development of Zimbabwean performance arts is not restricted to his live shows. He was the first comedian in the country, who by his shows, made fun of storytelling and social commentary, showing that laughter is a strong tool in humankind and history. The fact that he was able to make people from different cultural backgrounds feel belonging in the industry made him a uniting factor there.

His life exemplifies that artistry which is true to the core is no longer just about fame; it is about the impact one makes, and the thrill as well as the legacy of resilience and authenticity.
As Zimbabweans are grieving for the departure of this great comedian, we also commemorate the laughter that he brought us. Marabha, we miss you! You left us silently but your laughter is loud and will go on forever.