His uncle Coster Bondo says the musician was a pillar in the Tembo family. “We are shocked and we have lost our pillar, he was our father and a breadwinner. We will surely miss our relation, we did not expect this sudden death,” laments Bondo.

Veteran musicians told us they are yet to recover from what they have described as “shocking news”.

Coss Chiwalo is one of the musicians. "I am shocked and my spirit is not accepting this news, you know we met two weeks ago at COSOMA meeting he was sound and alright, I did not complain of anything and today hearing that he is no more, I don’t know how to recover from this shock," said Chiwalo.

Taking his turn, Lambani Dube feels it is high time musicians started taking care of each other’s welfare when one is need.

"This is a shameful death in music industry, we have failed to prevent this death, he struggled to survive towards the end of his life ye he has promoted a lot of artists and talents, besides he has a lot of loyalties at COSOMA, this death should open our eyes as musicians to start helping each other in times of need," Dube said.

Meanwhile, Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) acting president Gloria Manong’a has expressed sadness over Tembo’s death, saying the country has lost a rare talent.

“He always worked hard in promoting other musicians. His production was so interesting and portrayed a great talent. We will live to miss him,” said Manong’a.

Some of Tembo’s popular songs include Dimingu, Mbudye and Samalira.

Renowned musician Joseph Tembo, who also saved as a Member of Parliament for Chikwawa south.