Zigoma no more

Gospel artist Geoffrey Zigoma has died. Zigoma who shot to fame when he released his debut album Ndatherapano, died yesterday morning at Artemis Hospital, India where he was receiving treatment for skin cancer.

He was sent to India by Malawi Government. According to spokesperson for the Ministry of Health Henry Chimbali, this was the second time for the artist to be at the hospital.

Chimbali said the first treatment was successful but he returned to the hospital four weeks ago for check up. However, his condition worsened on October 9, 2013 and he was transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“We tried to save his life and it is a big shock to government. We
have lost a very experienced artist who was patriotic about his career
and country,” said Chimbali.

Musicians Association of Malawi (MAM) President Chimwemwe Mhango who once performed with the late Zigoma said he was in shock.

“I do not know what is happening to Malawi. We have lost two musicians recently and now Zigoma. We knew he was ill, but he was responding well to treatment [in India]. Zigoma was one of the courageous musicians. He was proud of who he was and took music career seriously,” said Mhango.

Zigoma developed skin cancer on his left ear some years ago and has been receiving Chemotherapy treatment at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).

However, after failing to respond properly to the treatment in Malawi, fellow artists held fundraising music shows to raise money for his treatment outside the country. But, the money was not enough.

Vincent Kadzakumanja who was part of the artists that fundraised for
his treatment said he was shocked by the news.

Chimbali said government is working with relatives and
authorities in India to repatriate Zigoma’s body.

Burial details were not immediately available but Chimbali said they will communicate throughZigoma’s relatives when the body arrives in the country. We could not also get a comment from relatives as their phones were out of reach.