Nick Mwanza, 69, renowned musician and composer died in the early evening of November 6 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) after battling with diabetes for several years.
Mwanza is credited with pioneering the Zamrock sound locally known as Kalindula in the early 1970s, playing with bands, the Directions, Crossbonds and Tokoza among others.
His collaboration with other artist throughout his career culminated in classic music that has withstood the age of time. Among his most memorable songs is the duet ‘Mwe Balume Bandi’ with Violet Kafula. He is also credited for releasing hit songs like Mukazi Wanga and Ako Ukwete Ni ako kene, Aka Koni.
He worked tirelessly performing at venues all across the country. As age began to creep on him, Mwanza took on more session work, performing as he had done during his lifetime with fellow veteran musicians at corporate and private functions.
Born in Malova township renamed Chibolya in 1943, Mwanza was a musician that lived the moment during his performances.
He is survived by his wife, eight children and eleven grand children.
| Alubusu, 37, died in a fatal road traffic accident along the Lusaka-Mongu road on November 2nd. Police confirmed the accident which they said happened between 23:00 and 03:00 hours in Miulwe area 35 kilometers away from Mongu. The BMW he was driving failed to negotiate a curve due to excessive speed.
Police said that the vehicle careered off the road and overturned 100 meters from the tarmac road after hitting into several trees in the bush and rested on one big tree. Alubusu was found trapped in the wreckage and police officers with the help of villagers used axes to break the metal to retrieve his body. He’s body was taken to Lewanika General Hospital mortuary in Mongu, Western province, before being returned to Lusaka for his funeral.
As news of his death reverberate across media, fans and fellow musicians expressed shock at his untimely death.
Alubusu began his music career in the 90’s literally exploding in song on his hit single ‘Bwela Panyumba’. Despite Alubusu’s music career being in hibernation in recent years, he remained a popular figure in the industry.
He was born Albert Silwimba and is survived by a wife and 3 children.
| Chali B. Musenge, 52, bandleader of Distro Kuomboka died in Ndola September 7. The Times of Zambia reports that Musenge collapsed while on a minibus on his way to Ndola Central Hospital for a review.
In what has become a tribute to artists’ upon their death on the Copperbelt, Musenge’s body was taken for an artistic farewell to the Lowenthal Theatre.
Born on September 27, 1960 in Kabwe, Musenge was one of the founding members of Distro Kuomboka which began performing in the town in 1977. The band is one of the longest surviving group in the country with only Andy Matafu remaining from the original six members.
From 1998 until his death Musenge and his group became the resident band at Ndola’s premier Mukuba Hotel.
As an indication of their determination to grow their brand beyond Zambia, Distro Kuomboka under the stewardship of Musenge travelled to Europe and performed in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, England and Belgium.
The band has won a number of accolades including the Ngoma and Mukuba Awards.
Musenge was a serving member of the Zambia Music Copyrights Society (ZAMCOPS) board until his death.
He is survived by a wife Christine, son, Bupe and daughter, Ethel.
|
0
