The African Studies Center at Michigan State University is deeply saddened to announce the untimely death of our alumnus, Zororo Makamba, who in March became the first Zimbabwean casualty of the Covid-19 virus. He graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2012, and later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Producing from the New York Film Academy. Zororo Makamba succumbed to the disease shortly after returning from a visit to New York and died in Harare, Zimbabwe on March 23, 2020.

Makamba began his media career in Zimbabwe at ZiFM stereo, the country’s first private radio station where he hosted several current affairs programs. As his popularity increased, he transitioned to television, quickly becoming a prominent broadcaster. Makamba was Host and Executive Producer of, “Tonight with Zororo,” an award-winning Talk Show which aired on MNET’s Zambezi Magic channel. His online, "State of the Nation," commentary on Zimbabwean politics and society helped showcase his talents and gained him greater notoriety.

Makamba’s MSU friends and his professional colleagues described his great potential, and inspiring positive attitude and disposition. Vimbai Muthinhiri, a Zimbabwean TV personality and executive producer commented that Makamba, "embodied what comes to mind when we talk about Africa's next generation being our hope. He was Zo, our little brother and ever happy friend who always saw a silver lining in every situation."

MSU alumnus and a close friend of Makamba, Calvin Lai, said that there was so much his dear friend could have contributed not only to Zimbabwe, but to Africa and to the MSU community. Lai described Makamba as, “a great friend of mine,” who always had, “a big heart and was a diehard Spartans fan since day one of being in East Lansing.”

On behalf of the entire MSU community, The African Studies Center would like to express condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Zororo Makamba. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.