Renowned musician Andrew Matrauza, popularly known for his hit Musadabwe, died Thursday morning at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre.
Joseph Tembo, who produced Matrauza’s Musadabwe album and who was also his closest friend, confirmed the development in an interview.
Tembo said Matrauza, who has been in South Africa for some time and returned in July this year, has not been well for some time.
“Andrew was a talent extraordinaire, and his death creates a big gap in the music industry. He made it a point to take his career to another level. We have lost a talent,” said Tembo.
According to Tembo, the funeral vigil is being held at Matrauza father’s house at Naperi in Blantyre, awaiting burial arrangements.
Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) president Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango has described late Matrauza as a rare talent, who will be greatly missed in the country.
Said Mhango: “He was a very talented young man who was always shy, friendly and humble. When you meet him, he was always charming and united all musicians.
“Matrauza had a special place in the industry because he chose to do songs that talk about weddings and that gave him a very unique platform. We will really miss him.”
Mhango also hailed Matrauza’s collaboration with musician and producer Joseph Tembo. He said Matrauza appreciated the need to seep from Tembo’s wisdom, who is a veteran in the field.
“This is perhaps one lesson all musicians must learn. Whether you are a veteran or upcoming, you need to look up to others for advice and collaboration.
Matrauza knew that Tembo is an established musicians and he collaborated with him, that surely took him to another level,” added Mhango.
Matrauza’s first album, Musadabwe enjoyed airtime on most radio stations in the country. The title track Musadabwe, which is a wedding song, describing the Malawian marriage arrangement from the groom’s point of view, continues to be played during wedding and send-off ceremonies in the country.
Born on May 30 1978, Matrauza is survived by a wife and two children, Junior and Noel.
