Zambia is mourning the death of celebrated gospel musician Mathew Ngosa, who passed away on August 1, 2024 at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka after battling liver cancer. Matthew, 46, left an indelible mark in the gospel music industry as some of his songs were played in churches and night clubs over a two decade career.
Ngosa’s brother, Pastor Boyd Ngosa said Matthew was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024. “We took him to India, and when he returned, he began undergoing chemotherapy. Yesterday (a day before he passed on), he was doing some routine exercises as he usually did. He was in a jovial mood, strong and even partook in his daily holy communion,” said Pastor Ngosa in a tribute.
Boyd said Matthew’s songs have been a blessing to many in Zambia and that he will be dearly missed by family and friends.
“Matthew’s faith was beyond this world. He was a prayerful person and he dedicated his time when he struggled with cancer in prayer. Matthew was full of life and never lost his joy and laughter that we will always remember him for,” said Boyd.
Matthew’s singing career started when he teamed up with Boyd and their younger brother, Hezron, after high school. Matthew and Hezron later formed a duo called The Ezma Brothers within a larger group known as The Tribe Called Christians. Mathew would later join to polish his skills at Lusaka’s Northmead Assemblies of God Church, The Christ Ambassador Choir.
A sendoff service held at the Praise Christian Centre, Lusaka, brought together church leaders, gospel musicians, politicians and family and friends to celebrate the life of Ngosa. Former Zambian Vice President and founder of Victory Ministries International, Dr. Rev. Nevers Mumba said Ngosa’s life and legacy had united people of all walks of life.
“Despite being a great gospel legend and a pioneer in gospel music with his brothers, Matthew was very humble and down-to-earth. Today’s gathering of thousands of people is a reflection of who Matthew was. Titles and positions come and go, but one thing that remains steadfast in our lives is our Lord Jesus,” Dr. Mumba noted.
Some of the Ngosa’s gospel hits include Ndakunkula, Shakapanga, Leka Kemba, Lesa Wandi and Twimbe among others. His debut album in 2004, Umutima Wandi (My heart), dominated music charts in Zambia.
Hezron Ngosa told the BBC that his brother was very strong even in sickness. “He was a man of faith and a mentor. When I recorded my first song, I took it to him to critique and that’s why I have never gone astray. He was more than a brother," said Hezron.
After a Send off service, Matthew Ngosa was laid to rest at Memorial Park. His music and the values he embodied will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.
“In these difficult times, let us find solace in the legacy he leaves behind – a legacy of faith, hope, and love. We mourn his loss deeply and celebrate the extraordinary life he lived,” said Socialist Party President Fred M’membe.
