Zabron Singers Group member Marco Joseph dies

Singer Marco Joseph from the Zabron Singers Group, known for their popular Swahili songs, one of which became a defining anthem in President William Ruto’s 2022 campaign, is dead.

He passed away on August 21, 2024, due to heart disease while receiving treatment at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) at Muhimbili National Hospital.

In a phone interview with Nairobi News, Marco’s sister, Victoria Zabron, said her brother started falling ill one week ago days before a performance in Kisumu.

“He was forced to remain behind to seek treatment. Doctors said his heart had a problem than required an emergency surgery. He was undergoing heart treatment at Muhimbili Hospital last night but he did not make it. The funeral will be held at Mikocheni at his aunt’s home. For now, the body is still at the mortuary,” Victoria said.

According to the Chairman of the Zabron Singers Choir, Japhet Zabron, his brother suffered a heart attack while they were on a mission trip to Kenya a few days ago.

Efforts to treat him were made at Bugando Referral Hospital, but he was referred to JKCI for further treatment before passing away during medical care.

Among the songs he was famous for with the group are “Mkono wake Bwana,” “Swetie Sweetie,” “Sisi Ndio Wale,” “Uko Single,” “Nakutuma Wimbo,” and many others.

Their younger brother, Japhet Zabron, has also eulogized the singer.

“Sikutaka kupost chochote kuhusu hili maana nilikuachia wewe Mungu lakini Mungu sasa umenifanyia nini hiki. Nooooo haiwezi kuwa hivi hapana Ooh God no.”

Zabron singers came into the limelight through their hit song ‘Mkono Wa Bwana.’

Since then, they have wowed fans with many other songs.

Other group members include Victoria, Jamila Dotto, Samuel Joseph, Semroza Godfrey, Grace Madata and Joyce Zabron.

In a past interview, Japhet, the group’s tutor recalled how the group came to be.

“When we were in high school, we went to a studio and recorded a song. We didn’t have money and had to borrow from people to pay for studio time. The recording was so bad that we were even ashamed of releasing the song. We almost gave up.”

The song “Mkono wa Bwana” became a defining anthem during President William Ruto’s campaign and led to Zabron Singers being honoured with a performance at his historic inauguration ceremony.

Zabron singers also performed during the Churchill Show New Year celebration at Garden City.

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