By Staff Reporter
Death has been announced of the leader of the three-man band ‘Fikisa’, Jafali Thom.
Thom died on Monday morning in Ntaja, Machinga district after suffering from Asthma.
According to a family member, Kassim Ali, Thom will be laid to rest on Tuesday at his homes village, Nandumbo in Ulongwe, Balaka district
Thom and the Fikisa group were first introduced into the music scene when hip-hop artist Taygrin featured them in 2 by 2 music video and later in other music videos and travelled with the the rapper across the globe for music performances.
Meanwhile, Taygrin has described the late Thom as a great friend who contributed a lot to his music career.
“My music career has been blessed with input from various tremendously talented individuals including “A Thom”. I met Jafali Thom back in 2006 when he was with chichiri dance troupe. Not only did he help me build my own troupe of dancers and drummers, but his culturally rich vocals can also be heard on several of my earlier classics such as 2 by 2, Nyau music, Chitedze, Moto just to mention a few. I am deeply saddened by his passing and at a loss for words. Rest in peace my brother,” reads his Facebook post in part.
The group’s main breakthrough came in 2013 after releasing their hit singles Ademwiche popularly known as ‘Akamwire’, Walume Wawiwu, Nantchengwa and Loto La Farao.
Fikisa, alongside Marco Sadick were also featured in Code Sangala’s hit Kumadziore about 9-years ago.
Thom’s death comes just two months and close to a year, after the death of other popular Yao artists Atoht Manje and Waly Cris respectively.
