Family and friends of the late US based Zimbabwean musician and artist, Blessing Kumbie Gandawa are scrambling to raise over $25 000 that is required to send her body home.
A GoFundMe campaign that was set up by the family this week has so far raised over $11 000.
Kumbie ‘ sister, Gamu Gandawa, setup the gofundme following the sudden passing of Kumbie aged 25.
The family has also shared more ways of supporting the initiative to send Kumbie ‘s body home.
Writing on Kumbie’ s memorial page, Gamu said:
*You are invited for Kumbi Farewell zoom prayers today at 6pm*
Kumbi Farewell Updates.
Time: *Dec 28, 2021 6 PM* Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82179476207?pwd=cVVVbVgveGF1elFISElBUlNKTVRjUT09
Meeting ID: 821 7947 6207
Passcode: 472829
One tap mobile
Here are the details for other means to give financial support in addition to the GoFundMe page:
Zelle:
314 484 0210
Paypal: [email protected]
Cashapp:
Andrew Rondozai
$AndrewTRondozai
GoFundMe: Use link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/send-kumbies-body-home-to-zimbabwe
Thanking everyone in advance for the support.
Blessing Kumbirai Gandawa, born on April 23rd, 1996, popularly known as Kumbie or Miss Kumbie, was a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, bass guitarist, dancer, painter, actress and founder of Fusion (ZW).
Kumbie was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. She moved to Missouri, shortly after completing Westridge High School in Harare to further her education at Cottey College and attained her Bachelor’s Degree, Business Administration and Management in 2019.
After graduating, Kumbie moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she kick-started her career within the visual and performative art industry. Her most notable artworks were featured in various galleries and shows, including UrbArts (2018), RAW artists (2019) Artfrica solo exhibit (2019) at the and she also participated in the annual mural/graffiti art event, Paint Louis (2019). Kumbie released her debut single Johnny Walker (June, 2020), which featured on various playlists. Her most recent single Stuck On You (July, 2021), is currently circulating radio stations and playlists across the globe.
Soon after graduating from college, Kumbie worked as a Business Analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of St, Louis. It was not long until she picked up her long-time hobby as an acrylic paint artist. In April of 2020, Miss Kumbie started composing music. Following her songwriting and music composition interests, Kumbie released her debut single Johnny Walker, produced by Pro Sounds. Followed by Stuck On You and Break It Down (Fall 2021).
There is an African proverb that goes like “Little drops of water, make a might ocean”. No amount is too small … we thank you for your donations and may GOD replenish what you have lost to us today 10-fold.
We express our sincerest gratitude to you all for your prayers, words of encouragement, and unconditional support.
Cause of death
The family has not shared any cause of death on the memorial page.
The late Kumbie stated in an old Facebook post that music and art helped her to beat depression.
Boyfriend
Kumbie ‘s boyfriend, Greg Harris, shared pictures of himself with her from the past. He has been widely circulating the GoFundMe link.
Please click the gallery below to see more pictures of Kumbie and Greg.
Greg wrote on Facebook :
This is Sunday, I will have a tribute photo stand in of Blessing Kumbie Gandawa because she was booked to do live art during the show! If you been missing slam this is the slam you should come out too. Help me kick off “The Final Four Poetry Slam” #poetry #poetryslam #stl
