Matthew Ngosa: Zambians mourn gospel singer popular in churches and clubs

Some of Zambia’s top musicians have performed at a concert to mourn 46-year-old gospel singer Matthew Ngosa, a day before his burial in the capital, Lusaka.

The audience joined in to belt out his beloved hits at the Praise Christian Centre.

Such was the popularity of some of his songs that they were not only played in churches but also in nightclubs over a two-decade career.

The venue in Lusaka was packed with fans, friends, family and government officials. His older brother Boyd, also a musician – popularly known as BJ – led mourners.

Matthew started out singing with BJ and his younger brother Hezron when they were still at high school, often singing a cappella. Matthew and Hezron formed a duo called The Ezma Brothers within a larger group known as The Tribe Called Christians.

They knew they wanted to make a career out of their music – not an easy ambition in a country where piracy means most musicians get little money from their music.

Later, at Lusaka’s Northmead Assemblies of God Church, Matthew joined The Christ Ambassador Choir, where he polished his skills.

In 2004 he released his highly successful debut album Umutima Wandi, which dominated music charts. Gospel hits including Ukulolela (Waiting) and Ndakunkula (Rolling to God in Praise) followed – those two also becoming anthems for clubbers.

Matthew Ngosa never made it rich, but was able to make a decent living from his hits before he was diagnosed with liver cancer in January.