Burundian Musicians' Association head Bruno Simbavimbere dies after brutal attack

The musician, fondly known as Memba, died of head injuries at Roi Khaled Hospital. He was admitted to the hospital on 22 February after armed robbers attacked him while he was walking home in the suburb of Kibenga in Burundi's capital Bujumbura. He was 55.

“According to a statement by his  son, he was notified by the neighbour that his dad was found unconscious on the road leading to their home and rushed to the hospital where he was identified by the members of the public ," the association's legal adviser, Yves Kami, told Music In Africa.

“Robbers attacked him with machetes and left him for dead. The hospital admitted him and doctors said that his condition was critical and required head surgery. He was scheduled for surgery on the same day that he passed away.”

Veteran broadcaster Christian Nsavya lauded Simbavimbere's work in uniting various stakeholders in the Burundian music industry.

“This is sad news," Nsavya said. "I am at a loss for words. Memba will be most remembered as the only person who was able to bring journalists, musicians and policymakers in the music sector together.

He said Simbavimbere had on 5 February facilitated a meeting with rival stakeholders, including the breakaway Musicians' Cooperative boss Cedric Bangy, to find a way forward for the local music industry. "It was a historic moment. It now feels like he was saying goodbye,” Nsavya said.

Simbavimbere’s music career began in the early 1970s when he joined Amabano, Burundi's national orchestra, as a drummer and composer. He also played with Africa Nova.

Simbavimbere was elected BMA president in 2004. “He was there for the service of every musician. He fought for many things including the setting-up of the Copyright Bill and its implementation,” Kami said.

A number of Simbavimbere’s colleagues and fellow musicians took to social media upon learning of his death.

“He was one of the persons who fought for the Burundian music,” BMA communications officer Raphael Nyandwi wrote on Facebook. "Condolences to his family and all the fans of Burundian music."

“You support to build Burundian musicians, and the music industry, is unforgettable. You laid out the ground rules for us, and we just followed. RIP,” singer Sat-B said.