Elisha, our head cornerstone

‘He kept the cold of the night out and released the warmth of family and life with reckless abandon’

A few days ago, death robbed us of the young man who made our family beautiful. 

The head cornerstone that held the family together and prevented us from falling apart.

The last long conversation I had with Elisha Gomera was over an investment I was planning, whose vision his mom did not share. 

‘Explain to me what you wish to do Nyakuviruka,’ Elisha said. We affectionately called each other by our totem, Nyakuviruka, Nyavira or Mhofu (referring to the Eland and it’s behaviours).

The conversation went on for a while.

‘That sounds amazing. But you might not have explained well enough to mom. You both want the best. I suggest you explain to her as clearly as you have done to me,’ he said.

‘If you wish me to call her and connect you both, please let me know,’ he offered.

For such was Elisha. He always found ways of bringing people together and bringing out the tags of humanity in people.

He was the head cornerstone that welcomed visitors into the family and made their stay comfortable.

‘I remember him well,’ said Shova, a family friend from Nairobi. ‘He was always smiling, and always positive.’

Such is the universal story of Elisha.

He kept out the cold of the night. And released the warm love of family and life with reckless abandon. 

Elisha made us who we are.

Our family hails from Kadoma, a small city 140 km West of Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. My parents sent us to the local schools in Eiffel Flats, walking everyday to and from school and frequently on bare foot. 

Elisha was born into that world. We moved around with him. From Kadoma, to Arcturus Mine, to Harare, then Nairobi.

He never missed a chance to make himself a better human being. Distinguishing himself at school and endearing himself to parents and teachers. 

It was only a matter of time before he established himself as an affable and successful business person in the world of music and art. 

And soon became a household name in Zimbabwe and beyond. Despite my scepticism, he decided to settle in Kadoma. He believed he could still make himself successful from the small town. He wanted to give back to the community.

It was the right call.

Soon Elisha made Gomera and his childhood city of Kadoma the household names that they are.

He made his community proud, with joy, love, happiness. ‘Obama’ they affectionately called him.

He had a swag about him that President Obama would envy. Elisha perfected that swaggerlicious badass walk that swept First Lady Michelle Obama off her feet.

Like Obama, he had strength, stature and a magical aura about him. He always used a measured tone in conversations and treated everyone with respect - attributes that won him friends. 

A recent article on him described him as 'an affable businessman'.

And like Obama, Elisha got things done: Elisha rose to the top of his trade in a short period of time. He brought in artists like Mafikizolo, Beenie Man, Morgan Heritage, Diamond, Davido and worked with famed artists like Jah Prayzah.

He had incredible focus and foresight. 

But he also grew and respected his networks. And soon built his business and relationships on a strong foundation of the kindness of friends and relatives. The many who gave testimonials at his funeral bear witness to that. As do many more who paid their last respects at Kadoma cemetery.

It’s been said many times before, but family is everything. It is to family that we look up to for solace. It is from the kindness of family and friends that we draw strength.

We have lost the one stone that kept our house warm, safe and hopeful. We will not be able to replace it. It’s uniquely Elisha.

On behalf of the Gomera family, I wish to thank all who reached out and helped give Elisha the memorable send off that he got. 

We are grateful for the foundation you give us. And for your support during this most difficult time.

Thank you.

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