Zambia’s music scene is mourning the loss of beloved gospel singer Matthew Ngosa.

He was 46.

A day before his burial in Lusaka, top musicians gathered to pay tribute at a packed concert at the Praise Christian Centre. 

Fans, friends, family, and government officials sang Ngosa’s hits, which resonated in churches and nightclubs over his two-decade career.

His unique blend of traditional gospel with contemporary rhythms allowed his songs to resonate beyond church walls, earning airplay in nightclubs and secular venues, a rare achievement for a gospel artist. 

Matthew Ngosa’s influence extended beyond the gospel genre, with his music crossing into mainstream venues, earning him a unique place in Zambia’s cultural landscape.

His elder brother, Boyd Ngosa, a fellow musician known as BJ, led the mourners in remembering Matthew’s contributions.

Ngosa had been scheduled to return to India for a medical check-up but passed away two days prior. 

His brother Hezron told the BBC about Matthew’s unwavering spirit and humour. 

“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 stated.

Ngosa was born in 1978 in Lusaka, Zambia. He exhibited a deep love for music from a young age, nurtured in his local church. His passion for gospel music grew, leading him to perform at church events and community gatherings. 

Ngosa’s music career began in the early 2000s, marked by his debut album that quickly gained traction within the gospel music scene. Over two decades, Ngosa released multiple albums, each further solidifying his influence in the Zambian music industry.

Ngosa’s music was characterised by powerful, heartfelt lyrics that spoke of faith, resilience, and divine love.

Songs like ‘Faithful Savior’ and ‘Grace Overflowing’ became anthems for fans.

Along with his commercial success, Ngosa was known for his generosity, often performing for free at events where organizers couldn’t afford to pay him and for free at church events, viewing his music as a ministry rather than a career.