Some of Zambia’s top musicians performed at a concert to mourn 46-year-old gospel singer Matthew Ngosa, a day before his burial in Lusaka. The audience sang his popular hits at the Praise Christian Centre, showing his songs’ wide appeal in both churches and nightclubs over his 20-year career. The venue was filled with fans, friends, family, and government officials. Matthew’s older brother, Boyd, also a musician known as BJ, led the mourners.
Matthew began singing with BJ and his younger brother Hezron in high school, often performing a cappella. They aimed to make music their career, despite the challenges of music piracy in Zambia. Matthew and Hezron formed The Ezma Brothers within a larger group, The Tribe Called Christians. Later, Matthew joined The Christ Ambassador Choir at Lusaka’s Northmead Assemblies of God Church, honing his skills.
In 2004, he released his successful debut album Umutima Wandi (My Heart), which topped music charts. Gospel hits like Ukulolela (Waiting) and Ndakunkula (Rolling to God in Praise) also became popular in clubs. Matthew never became wealthy but made a decent living from his music before being diagnosed with liver cancer in January. He died two days before a scheduled check-up in India.
Hezron told the BBC he would miss Matthew’s sense of humor and strength: “He was a man of faith and made people happy.” Gospel musician Kings Mumbi said, “He was more than a brother; he was a mentor.” Matthew often performed for free when pastors couldn’t pay him, seeing singing as his ministry to spread God’s word.
Despite music piracy, many Zambian Christians buy original albums directly from musicians to support gospel music. Others view buying pirated gospel music as a sin. Televangelist and former Vice-President Nevers Mumba posted on Facebook, expressing deep sorrow at Matthew’s death and imagining him singing in heaven. His words reflect the widespread grief in Zambia, where church attendance is high.
President Hakainde Hichilema sent condolences to the family, and former President Edgar Lungu visited the funeral house. Matthew had two daughters with Tasila Ngombe and once served as a civic leader in Lungu’s party, the Patriotic Front.
BJ told the BBC their mother, Samaria Maswela, was key to their musical careers, having introduced them to Sunday school music in the United Church of Zambia. She joined BJ on stage at the end of the concert, along with other tearful family members, to sing Matthew’s classic Umutima Wandi, a praise song in the Bemba language.
(BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c72007nz6y2o