THE year 2025 began on a somber note for Zambia as the nation mourned the untimely death of celebrated Copperbelt music sensation Wesley Chibambo, popularly known as Dandy Crazy, whose life was the cut short in a road accident on New Year’s Eve.
The incident occurred around 19:10 hours near Green Leaf area, Kapiri Mposhi, along the Great North Road.
According to then Central Province police commissioner Charity Munganga, a Shacman truck lost control due to excessive speed, colliding with a Toyota Allex and a Nissan Hardbody, killing four people on the spot.
Dandy Crazy, who was in the Toyota Allex, sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Kabwe Central Hospital before being evacuated to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
Despite undergoing brain surgery, the 47-year-old musician succumbed to his injuries at 01:42 hours on January 2, 2025, leaving the country in grief.
President Hakainde Hichilema expressed profound sadness over the passing of the talented artiste, describing Dandy’s music as one that touched lives far and wide and praised his charisma that “crossed all boundaries and brought people together.
Born and raised in Wusakile Compound of Kitwe, on the Copperbelt, Dandy Crazy grew up in challenging circumstances after his parents divorced when he was four.
He was raised by his elder sister alongside his twin siblings.
His father, a musician known as “Bashi Mpundu,” inspired his love for music which led him to start singing in his church choir as a young boy and later developed a reputation as one of Zambia’s top performing artiste, drawing inspiration from Congolese rhythms and R&B.
He was the eldest of nine siblings and worked hard to ensure their education and well-being were taken care of.
In interviews before his demise, Dandy spoke about his early struggles and shared life lessons with young people.
“Life is not as easy as it may look like. You need to work hard… You can still make it in life even without formal education,” he often advised.
Married for 15 years, Dandy left behind a wife, Hellen Chibambo and four children, three daughters and a son.
A celebration of his life was massively held at Lusaka Showgrounds, followed by a burial at Lusaka’s Memorial Park.
By George Musonda
Kalemba December 31, 2025
