The Herald Arts reporter and promising young journalist Sophie Chese-Musowa has died.
She was 27.
Obituary by Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Death, as I know is never timely and because of that we mourn when we lose one of our own.
Although we know death is in fact part of life, we don’t wish anybody to die not now or anytime soon.
It is against this background that I was deeply saddened at the loss of yet another promising and young journalist Sophia Chese-Msowa.
What a vibrant journalist she was, ever smiling and ready to learn new things.
I first got to know of Sophia whom I used to call Achihera a few years back and I remember she used to call me Mukoma Jones.
Not that I wanted to be bossy or anything but she did it out of genuine respect.
During my eventful years at The Herald, I had become a seasoned reporter on the Entertainment Desk, though I wasn’t the editor many students who came for attachment at least saw me in that regard.
So that is how Sophia and I came to know each other.
And everytime I was acting Entertainment Editor, it brought joy to many students Sophia included.
I don’t know what it was she saw in me but then we had such a cordial relationship and stories would come on time and everytime.
It was not Sophia alone there was Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Problem Masau and Brenda Phiri among others who sort of enjoyed the way I handled the desk.
One thing I liked about Sophia was that she was outgoing and would go where I wouldn’t go just to get the story.
She knew I was uptown (as in I was into fine arts) and she would go downtown (live shows, pole dance and what have you) at least that way the desk was fully covered.
We would meet after a hectic weekend and without showing any signs of exhaustion Sophia would bring the stories.
I relied on her judgment and even when I went through her copy I was completely enthralled.
My advice to her was keep it simple and to the point, this is what I was told by those who came before me the likes of Pikirayi Deketeke, Rex Mphisa and Isdore Guvamombe.
I imparted on her the same skills that I acquired from my seniors as well and I must say I was impressed by her execution of duty.
She was open to me such that I even knew her boyfriend-cum-hubby.
Half the time she would go with him to cover the live shows and that was commendable.
Then before I knew it, the two exchanged nuptials and were blessed with a son.
I wished Sophia well and I told her to continue with being a good woman.
She would laugh and carry on with her work!
The other time she came to work with her son and what a lovely mom she was.
But that is all gone and I’m so hurt because I never knew your journey would end in an instant.
I still feel your presence and this is why I say hello to you from the other side.
