Zambia's music community and fans gathered in Lusaka to honour the life of gospel singer Matthew Ngosa, 46, at a tribute concert held at the Praise Christian Centre, a day before his burial.
As reported by the BBC, from their high school days performing a cappella with his brothers, Matthew Ngosa's passion for music was evident. Despite the challenges of piracy in Zambia's music industry, he carved out a successful career with The Ezma Brothers and later, The Christ Ambassador Choir at Northmead Assemblies of God Church.
His 2004 debut album Umutima Wandi saw commercial success, with tracks like Ukulolela and Ndakunkula becoming club anthems.
Despite never becoming wealthy from his music, Ngosa managed to sustain himself until his diagnosis of liver cancer in January.
Hezron Ngosa, Matthew's younger brother, spoke fondly of his sense of humour and strength, even in the face of illness:
"He would go out of his way to make people happy. He was very strong even in sickness. He was a man of faith," he told the BBC.
Gospel musician Kings Mumbi told the outlet: “When a pastor invited Matthew Ngosa to their church to sing but couldn’t pay him, he would not bother that pastor because for Matthew, singing was part of his ministry. He took it as a way of spreading the word of God.”
Televangelist and former Vice-President Nevers Mumba posted on Facebook after Ngosa’s death was announced on Friday 2nd August: “My only consolation is that I know you will announce your arrival in heaven from Zambia in style. As you walk through that golden door, I can almost hear you singing with all the power that your vocal cords can manage.”
President Hakainde Hichilema conveyed his message of condolences to the family while his predecessor Edgar Lungu visited the funeral home on Saturday.
Matthew's Mother, Samaria Maswela made an appearance on stage during the tribute concert to perform Matthew’s hit Umutima Wandi.