Musician Christian of the Longombas dies
Popular musician Christian Hulu of the popular music group the ‘Longombas’ has died. He was 37.
The singer died on Saturday while receiving treatment at Downtown Los Angeles Hospital in the US. His twin brother Lovy Longomba was by his side during the last moments of his life.
Confirming the death on social media, his brother Lovy wrote, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I love you, Christian, my brother, my friend and partner, but Jesus loves you more. Enjoy Heaven.”
Adding, “Christian was well-loved and we celebrate his gifts and talents that he shared with the entire world. With great love and appreciation for the support and love shown to Christian by fans, family and friends, we kindly ask for privacy during this time. God bless you all, Longomba family.”
In 2015, Christian was diagnosed with a brain tumour. After surgery, Christian thanked God for healing him through a very trying moment of his life. “All praises to Jesus Christ, my Lord, and saviour the giver of life.”
However, he later developed blood clots that required further treatment.
Lovy Longomba and his brother Christian ruled the Kenyan music scene in the early 2000s. They topped charts with their hits such as Queen and Dondosa. The Longombas became a household name in 2002 and songs like Vuta Pumz, Dondosa, Piga Makofi and Shika More were all club bangers. They were known for their energetic infectious performance and their fashion sense..
They sang societal issues. For instance, while ‘Vuta Pumz’ has a club feel to it, it tackles responsible sexual behaviour and calls on partners in a relationship to be faithful to manage the spread of HIV/AIDS.” Christian said in a past interview.
The pair later moved to America, where they sought to explore other opportunities.
The Longombas come from a musical family. Their father, Lovi Longomba, was a member of Super Mazembe, while their grandfather, Vicky Longomba, was a member of TPOK Jazz. Congolese based Awilo Longomba is their uncle.
The duo bagged the 2005 Kora Awards Africa for Best East Africa Group. They also won 2006 Kisima awards for Best Group from Kenya, Best Song and Best Social responsibility.
They were also feted at the Tanzania Music Awards 2006 for Best East African Album, Chukua. Longombas were teens’ favorites. In 2005 they won Best Group in East Africa in Chaguo La Teeniez, and in 2006 bagged Best Group award.
~WakenyaCanada