10 Zambian Artists and Music Figures Who Di3d Between 2020 and 2026
Between 2020 and 2026 Here Is a List of 10 Zambian Musicians That the Industry has Lost
Over the years, Zambia’s music industry has given us some of the country’s most memorable voices, producers, songwriters and entertainers. But between 2020 and 2026, the Zambian music community also experienced the heartbreaking loss of several talented figures.
Some were household names, while others worked behind the scenes to shape the sound and culture of Zambian music. Their music, creativity and contributions continue to be remembered by fans and fellow artists across the country.
In this article, we take a look at some of the notable Zambian musicians and music figures we lost between 2020 and 2026 and remember the impact they left behind.
1. Cream Dollar.
Born Kelvin Simwinga Fwatila, Cream Dollar was a producer and sound engineer who worked with artists including Macky 2, Chef 187 and Muzo. He died in April 2020 following an illness.
2. Dave Zambia.
David Phiri, known professionally as Daev Zambia, was an Afropop singer known for songs including Never Been Easy and Mboko Mboko. He died in September 2020 following a road accident.
3. Jonny Cee.
Jonny Cee was a Zambian musician, signed under the wings of XYZ Entertainment managed by Bobby East and founded by Slap Dee. Johny C died in Garden House, Lusaka, Zambia on 27 December 2022. Reports state that he died due to Depression and industry peer pressure.
4. Joeboy.
The Zambian artist, associated with the song “Nima Vibrator,” died on 21 February 2023. He was particularly associated with the Danger Zone era of Zambian music.
5. Nathan Mithi.
Mithi was associated with the Zambian group Ghetto Link. His death was reported in December 2023. Because reports surrounding the circumstances of his death involve sensitive allegations, I’d recommend keeping those details out of a general tribute article unless specifically necessary.
6. Matthew Ngosa.
One of Zambia’s best-known gospel singers, Ngosa became widely known after his 2004 album Umutima Wandi. He died in August 2024 after being diagnosed with liver cancer.
7. Dandy Krazy
Wesley Chibambo, better known as Dandy Krazy, died on 2 January 2025 after sustaining injuries in the New Year’s Eve road accident near Kapiri Mposhi. He was known for songs including “Donchi Kubeba,” “Zuba Yanga” and “Chintelelwe.”
8. Magician.
The Zambian music producer and sound engineer Emmanuel Mkombwe died in August 2025. his incredible contributions to Zambia’s music scene, particularly for his work with artists like Mic Burner on hits like “Thought of You”, “Moment” and many more great hits by different artists will live on through the music he created.
9. Chali “Bravo” Mulalami.
The producer, songwriter and founder of Slingbeats Entertainment died in March 2026 following a short illness. The Zambia Association of Musicians credited him with producing and writing for a long list of Zambian artists, including Mampi, K’Millian, General Ozzy, Roberto and others.
11. Chiko Wise
Chiko Mwenya Mumba, known as Chiko Wise, died on 24 March 2026.According to the Zambia Association of Musicians, Chiko Wise died of complications related to a pre-existing heart condition. He was known for songs including “Kumanda,” “Shintwala” and “Mukansende”.
Their voices may have fallen silent, but their music will never be forgotten. 🕊️
