26/10/2025
Condolence Message from the Zambia Association of Musicians - ZAM
The Zambia Association of Musicians - ZAM has learned with profound sadness of the passing of the renowned Zambian folk artist, teacher, and author, Mr. Patrick Mofu Kaoma. Mr. Kaoma, aged 72, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, October 19, 2025, in the Netherlands.
Our nation has lost a colossal figure whose artistic contributions transcended generations. Mr. Kaoma's mastery of folklore music was unparalleled, most notably through his powerful 1980s hit, "Chanda leta ubwembya tume ishilu" (or "Leteni ubwembya tume ishilu"). This song was not just a tune but a piece of vital social commentary, bravely addressing the sensitive issue of domestic abuse. Its re-emergence in the 2011 political landscape, championed by Dr. Guy Scott, only underscored the song's timeless relevance and enduring impact on the Zambian conscience.
Patrick Mofu Kaoma was a multi-talented artist: a trained teacher, a novelist who published Mawazo in 2006, and a dedicated musician who played cabaret and folk music. His regular performances and collaborations with the late Mathews Chisefu at the Kitwe Little Theatre are an iconic part of Zambia’s musical history. Even while residing in the Netherlands, he continued to create, recording pieces like Something Like This.
The Zambia Association of Musicians extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his younger brother, Mr. Raymond Kombe Kaoma, and the entire family, as well as to the people of Chililabombwe where the funeral is being held.
May his legacy continue to inspire a new generation of Zambian artists, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
Zambia Association of Musicians - ZAM