For some it has been decades since they were gone but they are still remembered even with the with the generations that never got chance to witness their greatness in real time. This is because they left behind a legacy through music. Some of the songs are very old but when played, they sound fresh and are easy to sing along and resonate with.

Here is a list of musicians who passed away but their songs still live on.

 

  Ted Kalanda(Mushroom Band)

Kalanda was the leader and founder of Them Mushroom Band. He died at the age of 72 in September 2024 after a long battle  with cancer.

The late musician, who hailed from Kilifi County, had battled cancer since 2018.

He is remembered for composing the popular hit song Jambo Bwana which was released in 1982. Other original members of the mushroom band who are deceased are George Zirro and Denis Kalume.

Other popular songs that the band is known for include Wazee wakatike, Ndogo Ndogo and hapo kale.

 

Angela Chibalonza

She was an icon in the gospel music industry, dropping hits such as Jubilee, Jina la yesu, Kaa Nami, Inanibidi Niseme and many more.

Her life came to an end in October 27, 2007 following a tragic accident in Nairobi. Angela, who died at the age of 31 originated from Congo but was very popular among Kenyans and her song are still played and sang in churches.

 

Mighty King Kong

King Kong, whose real name is Paul Otieno Imbaya, passed away on December 25, 2007 at the age of 34. The  Kenyan Reggae artist hailed from Ugenya in Siaya county.

His songs that still remain popular among Kenyans include Cinderella and Ladies Choice. He was a person living with disability after being affected by polo when he was a child.

According to reports, he succumbed to poisoning. He breath his last while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta Hospital.

 

E-sir

E-sir, real name Issah Mmari Wangui,  still remains a celebrated musician in Kenya despite his death over two decades ago. E-sir dropped bangers such as Moss moss, Hamunitishi and Boomba train. Others are Leo ni leo, si sare etc.

He passed away in a road accident along Nakuru-Nairobi Highway while returning to Nairobi from a concert in Naivasha. Nameless is among the survivors of the incident. E-sir was 21 when he met his death.

 

Lucky Dube

The music of the South African Reggae artist is ever green and easy to sing along. Lucky gave his fans mega hits such as Remember Me, Prison, Born to suffer and many others that will definitely never grow old.

His life was cut short on October 18, 2007 after being shot by robbers. The incident happened shortly after dropping two of his 7 children at their uncles house.

 

Papa Wemba

The musician who hailed from Congo died at the age of 66 on April 24, 2016 after collapsing while performing on stage in Cote d’Ivoire . He was known as the king of Rhumba.

His popular songs include Show me the way that was released in 1995 and Chacun Pour Soi.

 

Kaberere

This is another gospel singer, who passed away, after dropping hits such as Mwanake and Natamani with Eunice Njeri. His death occurred in April  2014. Sources reveal that he died after being electrocuted at his own car wash in Nairobi.

 

K-rupt

Carlton Williams Bongo is known for great hits and one of his popular song is Tukawake. He passed away in November 19, 2003 after being shot in a  carjacking incident.

 

Michael Jackson

The pop singer passed away on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50 due to cardiac arrest, which resulted due to a lethal combination of sedatives and Propofol. His death was ruled as homicide, leading to the arrest of his personal doctor Conrad Murray in 2011.

Jackson however left behind a great legacy through songs such as Thriller that was released in 1982, Heal the world(1991), You are not alone(1995) among others.

 

 Bob Marley

The Jamaican singer and guitarist passed away in May 11, 1981 due to skin cancer. He died at the age of 36 at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, US. He was diagnosed with the condition in 1977.

His songs that still live on include No woman no cry(1074), Coming in from the cold(1980), One love(1965) and many others.

 

Tupac

Tupac Amaru Shakur, stage name 2pac, passed away in September 1996 at the age of 26, 6 days after being shot four times in the chest on September 7, 1996 at a spotlight in Las Vegas. He was assassinated  in the growing hip-hop rivalry at the time.

His albums that still remain popular to date include All eyes on me(1996) and Me Against the world(1995)

Avicii

The Swedish DJ and record producer died on April 28, 2018 at the age of 28 years.  It was reported that he died of suicide after inflicting on himself injuries with a broken wine bottle.

Some of his popular songs include Wake me up(2013) and Without You(2017). These songs will never grow old as well.

Whitney Houston

The American singer and actress passed away on February 11, 2012 at the age of 48. She died after accidentally drowning in a  bathtub at Hotel in Beverly Hills. Cocain and heart disease reportedly contributed to the unfortunate incident.

She dropped hits such as I wanna dance with somebody(1987), I will always love you(1992) and I have nothing(1993) that still hit the airwaves to date.