Kenya as a country is in mourning after the sad passing of one veteran and legendary musician John Amutabi Nzenze who was respected, revered, and celebrated as a musician back in the ’60s.
Nzenze who is known for numerous hits like ‘Angelike’, ‘Twist’, ‘Veronicah Mpenzi’, and so many more is no more.
Nzenze retired from active music in 2016 and had been living a quiet lifestyle at his home since then.
John Nzenze was 80 years old by the time of his passing.
The once considered one of the oldest and living ‘Zilizopendwa’ legend, John Amutabi Nzenze who is originally from Vihiga County, professionally known as John Nzenze was admitted with stomach ulcers and hypertension and was reportedly recuperating quite well.
John Zenze’s sister, Mary Mwanga opened up saying that they learned about other complications he had been having despite having stomach ulcers.
Ex-Orchestra Super Mazembe singer Kasongo wa Kanema dies
His younger sister Mary Mwanga said Nzenze was operated on four weeks ago on his prostrate and was recuperating quite well before his situation deteriorated on Friday leading to his death on Saturday.
“He has been having stomach ulcers that have disturbed his health for quite some while. When we eventually took him to hospital, it was found that he had other problems with his prostate that called for an operation,” said his sister Mary Mwanga.
John Zenze was considered one of the greatest musicians to ever do it with his name being among the mentionable in the Kenyan music industry like Daudi Kabaka (1939–2001), Fadhili Williams (1938-2001), Gabriel Omolo (1938-2018), John Mwale and George Agade.
Bands that also can’t and won’t be forgotten are; Them Mushrooms, Orchestre Mangelepa, Maroon Commandos, and Orchestre Super Mazembe.
“Despite Nzenze producing hit songs well before most of us were born, we have lived listening to his songs for many years. He has been our icon in Vihiga County and as a community, we are sad to have lost him,” Vihiga Senator George Khaniri said.
Kenyans are currently mourning him stressing how his role in the music industry shaped the industry at large.
He will most certainly not be forgotten, ever.
