Mvama Choir leader mourned

By Jimmy Chazama

The gospel music fraternity is mourning the death of Mvama CCAP Chigwirizano Women Choir leader Ruth Kachitseko.

Kachitseko, who died on Monday at Area 14 Seventh Day Adventist Hospital due to respiratory failure, is expected to be laid to rest Wednesday at Area 18 Cemetery in Lilongwe.

The deceased’s relative Efilida Kabango described Kachitseko’s death as a blow to the family.

“We have lost a mother who possessed exceptional leadership skills. We, as a family, are deeply saddened,” Kabango said.

One of the members of Mvama CCAP Chigwirizano Women Choir, Margaret Madaika, said Kachitseko’s leadership skills would be missed.

“She was an adviser who led our group all these years. It will be hard for us, as a group, to find a replacement,” Madaika said.

Musicians Union of Malawi leader Vita Chirwa said the music body was saddened with the passing on of a fellow musician, who was also a leader of Mvama Chigwirizano Women Choir.

“Mai Ruth Kachitseko was a leader and also the composer of many songs for the group. Her music resonated far beyond her church. She will be greatly missed,” Chirwa said.

Kachitseko led the choir in songs such as ‘Chombo Cha Nowa’ and ‘Mose Pa Phiri’.

Kachitseko, who was 58 years old, is survived by a husband, three children and five grandchildren.

She came from Mpemba in Blantyre.