By Esther Chisola
The house sat at the end of a quiet street with a feeling of heaviness following the the death of popular artiste Wesley Chibambo popularly known as Dandy Crazy.
Inside, the cries of the mourners echoed through the halls as friends, family, and even strangers gathered to pay their last respects. It was not a grand affair, no lavish ceremonies or extravagant displays. This was a sombre gathering; of an artiste who made impact with his infectious music, whose life was unfortunately cut tragically after he failed to survive the injuries from the accident which happened on new year’s eve in Kapiri Mposhi.
Wesley Chibambo popularly known as Dandy Crazy, the music icon who had won hearts around the country with his electrifying music and his magnetic performances was gone. His passing had shocked the nation and left his many fans in grief.
Dandy’s death had struck hard. People from all walks of life, artistes, secularists, religious people, and even politicians have been taking turns to visit the funeral house in Lilayi from the day the news broke out that he had answered the call to the other side.
Politicians flocked to the house of mourning, walking solemnly through the gates and doors of the house.
The mood in the house shifted slightly as the politicians entered. Their presence seemed to heighten up the activities. Cameras, long stashed away in favour of more intimate moments, suddenly reappeared, their flashes briefly lighting up the room, though the mourners indoors seemed to mind less.
Thabo Kawana who is Ministry of Information and Media permanent secretary alongside Fumba Chama permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts – an artiste himself – were the first to arrive.
Entering the house with sombre expressions, they walked directly to the family members, showing unspoken sympathy as they shook hands.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Kawama said softly, before stepping back to allow others their time.
Behind him Chama entered also. He had known Dandy Crazy for years. Dandy’s advocacy for arts funding had brought them together on more than one occasion.
While Kawana and his entourage were about to leave, PF’s vice president Given Lubinda and other PF officials solemnly walked into the funeral house and encouraged Dandy’s mother to be strong and seek God’s protection during this trying moment.
“We have lost a son of the soil. A man who not only contributed to his family but the nation at large. If you all remember, Dandy was once honoured by late President Sata. It isn’t an easy thing but he was honoured,” said Lubinda.
Moments later, Sociality Party leader Dr Fred M’membe walked in and offered comfort to the family. He also exchanged warm greetings with PF officials, and later UPND Lusaka provincial chairman Obvious Mwaliteta who arrived a few minutes later, together with ruling party national youth chairman Gilbert Liswaniso.
Dandy died after spending a few days in hospital where he was receiving emergency treatment following the injuries he sustained in a fatal road accident that claimed four other people on the spot.
Burial for the music icon is on Monday.
