THE arts industry has been plunged into mourning following the death of popular award-winning dancehall artiste and actor, George “Jiggaz” Tanjani. He was 39.

Rest in peace Dancehall Stah Jiggaz father to Spiderman Life is too short pic.twitter.com/Nbjnt7BewC

— Fame Factory Zimbabwe (@FameZimbabwe) October 8, 2021

Jiggaz died at West End Hospital in Harare on Friday, where he was admitted after a short illness.

Another Sad day for the Zimbabwean arts industry as we have lost actor | Zimdancehall artist George Tanjani aka Jiggaz

Thank you for your contribution in Theatre, Film & music, we will surely miss you#RIPJiggaz pic.twitter.com/ofuanINR4m

— NSR.zw (@NSR_zw) October 8, 2021

Today we lost, Jiggaz, a Zimdancehall star, “Vakutiti Takushaina” Hitmaker. pic.twitter.com/ZwK6coRoDY

— Maxx Music Ent. (@MaxxMusicEnter1) October 8, 2021

Jiggaz’s death has been described as a great loss not only to the creative industry but to the nation at large.

Sad news we have lost a ZimDancehall legend.. Jiggaz (spiderman’s father) MHSRP  pic.twitter.com/6UWDoTGchS

— Real White Murungu  (@Lexmurungu) October 8, 2021

Savanna Trust and theatre director Daniel Maphosa said; “Very sad to announce the untimely passing on of my brother George Jiggaz Tanjani this morning. Shocked and gutted. RIP Wamambo. Matungamira henyu Chirasha. Mwari ndivo vanoziva.”

France-based Zimbabwean writer and social justice activist, Abel Mavura said; “It all started after your performance (Jiggaz and Hilton) sometime in 2009 at Buddies Annual Festival of Arts organised by Patsime Trust at Harare Gardens and we agreed to work together.”

“I have never been to Pasa Pasa, but kwaLisho I attended because of your talent. I remember vividly you calling, “Rasta muri kupi tamirirwa kuRadio,” I cut you short and told you Jiggaz I am not a Rasta, and I will never be one. You resorted to calling me King until last month you sent a message saying “King batikai.”

“We stayed together for almost a year. I can’t believe you are gone like that. May your dear soul rest in peace George Tanjani.”

Renowned actor and Patsime Edutainment Trust director Jasen Mphepho; “One legend gone, pasi rino hariguti. Rest easy legend, rest in power George Tanjani aka Jiggaz DI Antidot Tanjani till we meet again.”

He is survived by wife and seven children.

Mourners are gathered at House number 4865 in Glen Norah A, Harare, and burial arrangements are yet to be announced.