Songstress Violet Kafula has died.
Aunty Violet as she was fondly called by her fans is considered by many followers of Zambian music as the Godmother of Zambian pop music.
Aunty Violet died Wednesday morning at around 03 Hours.
She is well known for her hit song “Imwe Mwebalume Bandi” kicked off her music career around the 70s after leaving her job at Mwaiseni Stores to join the Crossbones who later became Amayenge.
In one of her rare interviews, Aunty Violet told Zamrock.org that she enjoyed her time in music.
“I came up with ‘Mwebalume Bandi’ and in two weeks, it sold about 14 000 copies. Up to now, it’s still a hit. That’s what made me the first female artist in Zambia because there were no female musicians on the scene.”
The news of Aunty Violet’s death has gripped the local music industry.
James Chamanyazi said the death of Aunty Violet is saddening.
“It’s with this heavy heart that am relaying the sad news of the death of Aunty Violet Barbara Kafula the godmother of Zambian music and singer of ‘imwe mwebalume bandi’. She passed away this morning at about 03 Hours. MHSRIP,” Chamanyazi said.
Sad, she was in her own class. She didn’t have to be skimpily dressed on stage like Mampi to attract attention. Her works spoke for her. Where is Jane Osborne? If you see her kindly pass my regards to her ati siunganileke!
Lusaka Times, always add the age of a person when writing about a deceased person’s short bio. How old was she when she died? And what did she die of? Hello? Nonetheless, condolences.
Condolences on the death of our vibrant sister and friend Violet kafula, a very active member at Mary Immaculate Parish Catholic Church. we i shall miss your active contributions your rich, unmistakable and audible voice.
Rest in Peace Violet
Till we meet again!!
How old was she? What was her autobiography in brief. Yer bastards don’t know how to celebrate an icon. Rest In Peace mon Violet!!!
@kalok its a very poorly written story. People don’t just die. There’s always a cause of death. An obituary is a profile of the dead but here its severely lacking info. Its a story absent of details
Sad! Violet! Your voice will be missed! Hope you knew the Lord!
Do you know the Lord Sharon? RIP Sharon
@Sharon, Violet knew the Lord, she was a very active member at Mary Immaculate Parish Catholic Church along Leopards hill road. Personally i shall miss her active contributions and her rich, unmistakable and audible voice.
Rest in Peace Violet
Good people are dying, Sharon still alive. But Lesa naena…
I agree with 2&3 above. Very poorly written article. I hope she continues singing proudly on the nightshift.
she MUST have been VERY OLD starting MUSIC in the 70S So by 1970 she must have been 18yrs already no wonder i never heard of her in MUSIC, She couldnt speak English i guess typical of bemba women, and did she leave any children , married? or never married never left kids just wasted time on earth?
Sad indeed. As for her age my guess is she was born between 1954 and 1956.
RIP ba Vie. On my graduation from UNZA in 1990, we had a good time at her home in Kabulonga with my late brother-in-law. It was wonderful getting to know her in person. Now she is no more.
Chris Chali also worked for Mwaiseni Stores!! Any connection to the two? Where they lovers at the time of forming the Cross bands, oh sorry, the Cross Bones?
She was a Good friend for the past 35 years my condolences to Angie the only daughter may Violet soul rest in peace.