Popular local musician Joe ‘the ambassador’ Chibangu has died.
Joe died in his sleep at his home in Lusaka and was taken to Coptic Hospital in Northmead where he was confirmed his passing.
The cause of death has not yet been established.
The musician who doubled as a producer produced a number of hits in contemporary Zambian music.
Some of the songs he did include Chikashana, Sera, Bamudala, I will be Waiting and Nakupenda among others.
He had taken a low profile in the music scene backseat in the recent past but was always available to help upcoming musicians.
The Ndola born artiste started doing music in 1995 after he was inspired by his late Father who was a music producer.
He released his first album The Ambassador which helped shoot him in the limelight.
Joe is a previous winner of the Best Male Award at the Azami Awards.
He was also a two-time nominee for the Best Male Southern Africa at the KORA Awards.
He leaves behind a wife Jubilee and two kids.
And Joe’s contemporaries have taken to social media to express sadness over the death of their friend.
Mainza Chipenzi who collaborated with Joe on a number of musical projects said, “This has really coloured the day grey. My long-time friend and collaborator. We made history together and now you’re history. I was hoping this wasn’t true.”
Dance hall artiste Blow said news of Joe’s death is heart breaking.
“Rest in peace Joe Chibangu. Am so broken right now. Your contribution to Zambian music will always be appreciated. A trendsetter has died. I started listening to Joe Chibangu when he was a member of the rap prophets with Saili Nyondo and Desh in the late 90s, then he formed Melt Down with Mainza. He also worked with Yesu Culture and went on to become head producer for Mondo Music alongside C.R.I.S.I.S and Mainza. Joe helped shape many artists’ careers before he released his “The Ambassador” album under Mondo. He was the pioneer of modern day Zambian music production. I am one of the many people he inspired. He was with me in the studio when I was recording Letter to P-Jay (Waya Bwangu). He will be greatly missed. R.I.P LEGEND,” wrote B-Flow.
Emmanuel Nyoni also known as Fresh wrote, “My friend Joe Chibangu Chibangu… I’m lost for words. May the good Lord be with family during this unbearable time. MHSRIP.”
Danny Kaya wrote on Facebook that “Another sad day for the industry……. Ambassador sure… Why?”
This is really sad!! My condolences to the entire family
Joe died in his sleep at his home in Lusaka and was taken to Coptic Hospital in Northmead where he was confirmed his passing….
Terrible grammar.
RIP though
Thanks
BB2014,16
I recorded along side Joe Chibangu during the times of Sounds good programs on ZNBC TV, He was a very talented Young Man who could have taken Zambian music far but alas! may musicians of today in Zambia only sing Western Music which lack true African Rhythms.
Iwe Mushota I think you are short!….
One of only few handsome Zambian men, what a loss!
How old was he?
Anybody with information about him?
May His Soul Rest In eternal Peace!
Rest in peace Joe there is heaven for you!
hope its not viagra
So sad lose such a young and talented individual. MHSRIP.
Met him twice some 15 years ago. Walked a fine line between confidence and humility. Did his part to bridge the Ngozi/PK Chishala/Glorious Band/Burning Youth generation with the new millennium of Black Muntu, JK, Tasila Mwale and Danny. Any man that shares his gift rests in peace. Bye Joe.
I also died but rose from the dead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe Chibangu is from the breed that sung original Zed music not computer programs like the likes of Danny Kay Runell, JK, Dambisa, DJ Cosmo, King Kayo, General Ozzy, OC, Ruff Kid, etc.
R.I.P. JC till we meat again
Smart young man is gone. Rest in peace.
sorry
What a peaceful way to die.
How do you know, just becasue the report says he died in sleep does not neccessarily mean that he didn’t die quietly. Hopefully he died in peace, there is also news that he was on down low for a while, maybe that points to the fact that he was actually sick and did not share to the public/fans.
SAD NEWS!!! RIP JOE.
rest in peace Joe. Sad news indeed
You were a great talent Joe. RIP!
I will be waiting!M.H.S.R.P
ANY NEWS OR MESSAGE FROM HIS WIFE JUBILEE AND KIDS????? WHY OTHERS TAKE THE SPACE?? MHSRIP
Comment:R.I
.P WILL MISS U
Sad, but what is killing young people in Zambia? Is it AIDS? Lets be transparent and warn our kids on the dangers of unprotected sex and all those activities our youths are practising back home.
This is sad news..I wonder what killed him…MHSRIP.
@Tapuwa, wondering the same too, young men/women, just does not die of natural cause at such a young age. Prayers to the family and all those close to him.
Oh my goodness…. am shocked big time. Rest in God’s internal peace. I loved u and your music.
Life expectancy in Zambia has fallen due to health services that are not functioning properly! Why medical services have deteriorated can be attributed to many reasons but major are first, lackadaisical approach/prioritization to the sector and secondly, lacking resources both human and financial to meet the basic preventive and treatment challenges for the growing population.
It is very common that patients are not receiving full investigations ending up with wrong diagnosis and treatment or short cuts are employed in attending to patients because needed equipment is lacking! Zambia can do better if only everyone demanded for better on the usage of national coffers!
Sad development Rest in peace brotherman
Rest in enternal peace joe chibangu! am still shocked.
I rily enjoyed the music of joe chibangu many his soul rest in enternal peace
You go and resong that song Ninsoka p-jay ft chibangu rest in peace you guy’s am will never forget you guys.
ichalo Ninsoka p-jay again chibangu
His wasn’t music dictated by the computer like the new artists
JC My man….May your soul rest in peace, as u have just answered the Lords call.But always a big apraulse!! To your educative messages through you music style i simply say when you’re “good, you’re good”..We’ll always remember you and your voice share remain forever.
Rest in Peace joe
condolences to the family mhsrip
Why do pipo always look for who did what, what killed him, maybe it was Gods time, for once Zambians let’s learn to mourn our pipo. This is our fellow Zambian, let’s put him to rest in peace and all will fall in place…
May your soul rest in peace J.C
Rest in eternal peace joe really sad
RIP ba joe.
So what if he died of anything.DEATH IS DEATH whether you fly to heaven or not? You are gone regardless of the mode.We cant all die via one mode? Accept any source of death.He had his time.Actually no matter how careful you would be in life ,no one will accept your death.They will say “afwa bwangu”.Which one is a better death? Late Myles Munroe once said ,Do not strive to live long BUT strive to die empty – quality life and successful whether at 15,20, and 90 years.Imagine you leave up to 90 years but with nothing to show to the world.JESUS PROMISES LONG LIFE.If you wanna live longer as HIM.This life is paradoxical.JUST LIVE IT ! JOE ,MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.YOU WHERE GREAT !
The Ambassodor hauz gon to sing fo the angels.Jk,Dany, Shatel,Black Muntu,Mutinta,RunnelNasty D,2wice,THE Sakala Bros,Mc Wamunice,Joe took Zeed muzik to anotha level,$uga $hak $oundz!!We made Muzik.Dik Zozo
.”Mourn U Till WeJoin U.”Noty By Nature