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ZLHR mourns Chisvo
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
July 15, 2011

The Board, Members and Staff of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) express their deep sorrow at the untimely death of Adam Chisvo, who died on Wednesday 13 July 2011 after succumbing to diabetes.

We have lost an artist, a brother and a friend who radiated warmth and camaraderie to those who knew and associated with him as human rights defenders.

ZLHR had the privilege of working very closely with the talented Adam particularly during musical concerts that were organised to commemorate crucial dates on the international and regional human rights calendar.

In December 2010, the veteran percussionist, composer, singer and songwriter, who featured for Victor Kunonga's Peace band, delivered a majestic performance at the Meikles Hotel during ZLHR's coveted annual human rights lecture and dinner held to mark International Human Rights Day festivities.

During the show, Adam played the drums and mbira with dexterity and exuded the aura of legendary artistry that came to characterise his career.

The loss of Adam during his prime time is beyond words and the gap left is immense, particularly due to the dedication and fearlessness he showed by participating in human rights promotion activities at a time when many artists-young and old-still shy away from the important role they can play in this regard as opinion leaders in society.

Adam will be sadly missed for his courage, humour and commitment as well as his professionalism. It is not only ZLHR that will mourn him but his loss is Zimbabwe's loss.

ZLHR sadly but yet fondly bids him farewell. We mourn his death but yet celebrate his life as "a humble and tireless human rights defender".

It is a harsh reality that Adam is no more amongst us but his legacy in terms of his brave work will inspire us to continue our struggle for the establishment of a just and equitable world in which the rights of all-particularly artists-are promoted and respected. It is hoped that other artists will continue the fine tradition set by Adam in highlighting human rights issues through the important and popular medium of music and the arts.

ZLHR extends its deepest sympathies to the Chisvo family, Victor Kunonga and Peace band and the music and entertainment community as they try to come to terms with so sudden and tragic a loss.

May his dear soul deservedly rest in eternal peace.

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