Vice Chairman and Assistant Director of Zabron Singers Marco Joseph Bukuru, has passed away.
His death was confirmed by Zabron Singers chairman Obeid Kazimili, who stated that the lead singer died on Tuesday, August 21, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Tanzania.
“As the Chairperson of Zabron Singers, I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of our fellow singer, Brother Marco Joseph Bukulu, who was the Vice Chairman and Assistant Director of Zabron Singers,” he said.
“He passed away tonight in Dar es Salaam at Jakaya Hospital. We will provide further details on the burial arrangements later. May the Lord bless you.”
His gospel group member, Japhet Zabron, also confirmed the news, stating that Joseph’s death was caused by a sudden heart attack that began last Sunday.
“Indeed, Marco Japhet has passed away; it was sudden, a heart shock. It started last Sunday August 11, and he had not been troubled by anything in the past. This has come as a shock,” he said.
Before joining the group, Joseph had recorded several hit songs, including “Ni Wewe,” “Tofauti,” and “Daktari.”
Marco lives behind his group members who include Japhet Zabron, Victoria Zabron, Jamila Dotto, Samuel Joseph, Semroza Godfrey, Grace Madata, and Joyce Zabron.
Among their most notable releases is “Mkono wa Bwana,” which features popular tracks such as “Sweetie Sweetie,” “Nakutuma Wimbo,” “Imenigharimu,” “Nawapenda,” “Nitaweza,” “Sikiachi Tena,” and “Sio Bure.”
Other well-received songs include “Hujanitenga,” “Lushiku,” “Nitasubiri,” and “Mpiga Kinanda.”
The group rose to fame with their hit song “Mkono wa Bwana,” which took the internet by storm in November 2020, four years after its initial release.
Their success was further highlighted last year when they collaborated with Kenyan gospel artist Evelyn Wanjiru for a Kikuyu rendition of “Mkono wa Bwana.”
The Zabron Singers are more than just a musical group; they are a family. Many members come from one family, while the rest are close family friends.
The lead singers of “Sweetie Sweetie” — Victoria, Jamila, Japheth, and the group leader Joseph — all come from the Zabron family. Their father, Zabron, was a composer and church leader who instilled in them a deep love for gospel music.
Moreover, their song Mkono wa Bwana became an anthem during the campaigns of President William Ruto in 2022.
It earned the group of singers’ fame as Ruto gave them a special ticket to perform during the historic inauguration ceremony.
When Zabron Singers took to stage to perform their 2016 smash hit ‘Mkono wa Bwana,’ everyone in attendance at the Kasarani stadium during the inauguration rose from their seats to dance and sing along.
Kenyans have since taken to social media to mourn the singer’s death, expressing their condolences and sharing memories of Marco Joseph’s contributions to gospel music.
“My sincere condolences to the Zabron Singers for losing their brother Marco Zabron. May His soul rest in peace. Pray for them,” Ken the DJ posted.
“Marco Joseph from the Zabron Singers group has passed away while receiving treatment for a heart condition. Rest in peace, Marco,” Presenter Kai wrote.
Kelsy Kerubo wrote, “Marco is no more. This is so heartbreaking. My condolences to the Zabron Singers for losing their brother. We will miss you.”
