Malawi mourns top rapper Revolver

He was 27.

The top rapper reportedly passed on after succumbing to gastric cancer. His close friend and manager Ron CZ confirmed the death in a local publication. Ron CZ said Revolver, real name Kenneth Muwamba, died a few days after he was discharged from a local hospital. The musician was laid to rest yesterday in the afternoon at the HHI Cemetery in Blantyre.

Reading through his Facebook posts, the artist must have sensed death. Sometime in September, he wrote, “I see death around the corner.” Just recently, on 4 November, he wrote, “The best thing in life is life.” His last post reads: “Dear Premier league, what am I supposed to do with my life this afternoon up to 5 pm?”

No doubt a darling of many Malawian rap fans, Revolver’s death shocked many people. His friends in the music business shared their loss on Facebook. Part of statement by Ron CZ reads, “Only God can comfort me. I have lost my best friend.” Another musician Chavura also wrote, “More than a friend, he was a brother. I am still in shock.”

On Sunday, at the UMP Awards in Zambia, a number of Malawian artists who were in attendance took turns to pay tribute to Revolver. Among them were Phyzix, female rapper Rina and Fredokiss.

Born on 28 September 1989, Revolver joined the music scene in 2008. His debut release was a solo mixtape called Hardcore Blues (released2009). The mixtape was a flop; it never received any radio play. Revolver didn’t give up, the following year he released another mixtape tilted The Ridiculous LP. The project did very well thus earning him a mark in the country’s music scene. In 2011, he released ‘Sindidanda’, a hit single which enjoyed airplay in local radio and television stations.

Since then, the late musician released more great hits such as ‘Chifisi’, ‘Friends With Benefits’ and other songs with his crew Trap Squad. Besides singing, he was a co-founder and member of Trap Squad. He also co-owned a record label Trap Entertainment record Label.

Meanwhile, the music fraternity has recently and in the past months lost a number of artists. Just recently, Zambia lay to rest Marsha Moyo, a talented musician and gender activist. Marsha died on Saturday, 5 November after an illness. In October, Ghanaians mourned Vybrant Faya, a dancehall artist who died after a fatal accident. Zimbabweans also lay to rest Joice Simeti, a top gospel artist who was unwell for time.

In September, South African legendary kwaito artist Mandoza and Angolan veteran musician Moisés Kafala died. Mandoza died on his way to hospital in Johannesburg after he experienced trouble breathing. He had been battling brain cancer for about a year. Kafala died while undergoing medical treatment.

Other artists who died this year include Nigerian producer OJB Jezreel, Ethiopian masenqo master Getamesay Abebe, Congolese legend Papa Wemba, Nigerian artist Nomoreloss to name a few.