Maravi

Mpezeni mourns death of praise-singer Zimba

Mpezeni mourns death of praise-singer Zimba
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Sun 05 Feb. 2012, 12:59 CAT

PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people in Eastern Province has described the death of his main praise singer Lassam Zimba, popularly known as Bafana Bafana Pesha Manene, as unfortunate.

In an interview on Friday, chief Mpezeni said he had just heard that Zimba died but had not been traditionally informed. He said Zimba fell ill in Malawi where he was sent to deliver Nc'wala invitation letters to Malawian chiefs.

"This is sudden death because I was not even informed about his illness. He was sent to Malawi to deliver invitation letters to Malawi chiefs but he fell sick from there and was admitted at Chipata General Hospital and he only stayed in the hospital for a day," said chief Mpezeni.

And Zimba's grandson, Rodger, said his grandfather died in the early hours of Thursday after suffering a stroke.

Rodger said Zimba's condition had been critical from the time he was admitted to Chipata General Hospital.

Zimba is survived by a wife, five children and several grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his unique outfit during the Nc'wala traditional ceremony and outstanding praises to chief Mpezeni during the event, Ngoni chiefs installations and many others.

Zimba was always a marvel to watch at the Nc'wala ceremony because of his traditional Ngoni attire.

Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation radio one Nyanja section also uses Zimba's voice as part of its introduction whenever they start Nyanja transmission.

Labels: CHIEF MPEZENI, NGONI

posted by MrK @ 4:33 PM