Rutendo Tapiwa Chigudu has died

Multi-talented theatre, literary and performing arts, TV host and film actress Rutendo Tapiwa Chigudu affectionately known as R Tendo Tapiwa has died. She is said to have suddenly collapsed and died.

By Plot Mhako

She was currently studying towards her MA in Applied Drama with Wits University in South Africa.

A holder of the Bachelor of Arts: Honors in Theater Arts from the University of Zimbabwe Rutendo had carved her name in the creative and cultural space in Zimbabwe through her many roles with different projects and institutions.

A dreamer and a doer! A jovial, playful but bold soul

A regular at the Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA) where she coordinated various programming, worked for Patsime Trust, Almasi, Reps Theatre, Zimbabwe Women Writers Association, Starfm Radio, Sadc Arts Festival, ZB Bank amongst others.

In 2015 she starred in the emotionally compelling Shamaika produced feature film Rujeko.

RUKEJO (light) Rujeko is a mentally disturbed deaf woman who lives in the park. Surrounded by lush greenery, ancient trees and beautiful birds, she has made the park her safe refuge in an unpredictable and often cruel world. Despite being homeless, there is a radiance about her, an inability to hold a grudge, a child-like innocence that no one can take away from her. However, mystery surrounds the circumstances that snatched her from her old life, rendering her homeless. When Rujeko comes face to face with the man responsible for separating her from her beloved father, will she have the courage to face her painful past and finally get her closure?

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Scores of colleagues and associates took to social media to express their shock and grief at the passing on of Rutendo.

Just getting information that R Tendo Tapiwa has passed away. Difficult to process this. She was such a bubbly personality. She worked for Nehanda Radio in its formative years and has been a close friend since. My whatsapp will never be the same without you 😢😢😢. pic.twitter.com/oGxgR2sZG1
— Lance Guma (@LanceGuma) May 6, 2021