By Rahim Abdul
The Malawian music industry is engulfed in grief following the passing of Dalitso Mtambo, widely known as Bossaro Ice (formerly Iceberg), a pioneering hip hop artist and cultural icon.
As news of his death spread, heartfelt tributes from colleagues, fans, and public figures flooded social media, highlighting his profound impact on the nation’s urban music scene. Bossaro Ice rose to prominence as a member of the seminal group WuN, whose breakout track Mbina became a club anthem and chart-topper, ultimately leading to the group being named Best Young African Band by the BBC in 2006 .
His legacy expanded with the founding of the Bossaro Music Group (BMG), which won Best Group at the 2018 UMP Awards .
Beyond his musical achievements, Bossaro Ice was celebrated for his mentorship and advocacy. The UMP Awards Facebook page described him as a “visionary who used music to inspire, raise awareness, and empower young people,” a sentiment echoed by fans and peers alike . His collaborations with artists like Malinga Mafia, Piksy, and Hyphen cemented his influence across generations .
Tributes from notable figures such as lawyer Khumbo Bonzo Soko and Noel Chalamanda emphasized his role as a guiding force in the industry. One fan noted, “His lyrical sharpness and commitment to community upliftment made him a true pioneer” . As Malawi mourns, Bossaro Ice’s legacy endures through his music and the countless lives he touched .
