THE sombre mood that initially shrouded the residence of music legend Dandy Krazy in Lusaka has given way to an electric atmosphere, as fans and friends transform the mourning gathering into an impromptu party.
The wails of grief that once filled the air have been replaced by the pulsating beats of Dandy Krazy’s greatest hits, blasting from massive speakers stationed at the entrance of the house of mourning.
With songs such as Not Guilty, Baloon Type, I love You Mummy, Dibili dibili, Nyeleti and others being played repeatedly, the house of mourning is somewhat indicative of a Dandy Krazy day time gig.
As the iconic tunes from Dandy Krazy’s loud legacy of music career fill the air, mourners can’t help but let loose, dancing in memory of him, as if to reincarnate the 47 year-old singer who succumbed to injuries in the early hours of Thursday, following a road traffic accident on December 31, 2024.
With live equipment already set up, it’s likely that music performances will take centre stage later in the evening, adding an extra layer of celebration to Dandy Krazy’s life and legacy.
Children of the streets, fellow artistes and friends are converging upon the affluent Chalala neighbourhood, turning the usually tranquil streets into a vibrant tribute to Dandy Krazy’s enduring lyrical legacy.
As the crowds swell, the energy is becoming infectious, transforming mourning ritual into a joyous commemoration of the impact Dandy Krazy’s music had, and still has, on their lives.
While others are dancing to King Dandy’s songs, others are seated in mounted tents, mimicking along and probably humming to Dandy Krazy’s songs.
Dandy Krazy, real name Wesley Chibambo, died in the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in the early hours of Thursday, following a road traffic accident that occurred between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi on Tuesday evening.
Four other people, including Dandy Krazy’s dancer, driver and backing vocalist, died in the same accident.
Since his emergence on the music scene back in 2007, there has been widespread concensus that Dandy Krazy ranked among Zambia’s most prolific music composers and stage performers.
In 2011, his hit song Donchi Kubeba was adopted as a campaign theme by then opposition Michael Sata-led Patriotic Front (PF) that helped them sweep to power.
Story and pictures Salim Dawood
Kalemba January 4, 2025
