BULAWAYO – Rapper Cal_Vin has died aged 35.
The Bulawayo-born singer was run over by a car at around 11.30PM on Saturday after watching a football match on TV at a bar near his home in Luveve, his family said.
Family spokesperson Sithembile Sibanda, an aunt to the singer, said the family was “devastated”.
“He had his whole life ahead of him. We are hurting,” Sibanda told ZimLive.
According to Sibanda, Calvin – born Mgcini Calvin Nhliziyo on December 15, 1984 – had just watched Liverpool’s late-night clash with Sheffield United at a bar called Cricket Club in Luveve.
She said: “They were walking home. He had his girlfriend and two other boys. They were almost home, just about 20 meters away when the incident happened.
“We understand a white Mazda Familia with no number plates drove by and hit Cal_Vin slightly. For whatever reason, we are told he jumped on the vehicle’s bonnet but the driver of that car continued driving, at first slowly and then picked up speed.
“The driver then reportedly performed an emergency brake, throwing Cal_Vin off the vehicle before driving over him. The driver did not stop after that.”
Cal_Vin’s girlfriend and friends hired a car to rush him to Mpilo Central Hospital, but he was dead on arrival.
Mpilo’s Acting Clinical Director Dr Xolani Ndlovu said: “I can confirm that a 35-year-old man was brought in already dead at around 1AM following a hit-and-run incident.
“The deceased person is the son of a female member of staff who works in our accounts department. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family.”
Police said the singer’s death is under investigation.
Cal_Vin produced hits such as Bebengangikholwa and Zkhuphani which earned him gongs at the Zim Hip Hop Awards. Zkhuphani was a collaboration with top South African rapper Casper Nyovest.
