Mourners scatter as Embarambamba climbs tent to perform at Van Quiz’s burial

The burial of late urban Gusii singer Van Quiz, though largely marked by grief and emotional breakdowns, also presented moments of unexpected relief as attendees found reason to smile when popular Kisii musician Embarambamba was invited to perform.

While most of the artistes who had taken to the stage before him chose to deliver emotional renditions that comforted the bereaved family and reflected on the hope of resurrection after death, Embarambamba took a completely different approach.

In a video shared on Facebook, he is seen instantly bursting into motion the moment he is handed the microphone, sprinting from one end of the expansive Matagaro Primary School grounds, where the service was being held.

Within moments, he was fully immersed in his energetic performance, dancing wildly, twerking, and at one point nearly losing his balance after slipping on the rain-soaked grass, a result of the morning showers that had left the ground slippery.

Mourners scamper

As his performance built toward a dramatic climax, Embarambamba suddenly dashed toward a section where tents had been set up to shelter seated mourners and swiftly climbed onto the top of one of them.

Those seated beneath the tent appeared caught off guard by the unexpected move, and screams quickly erupted as the structure began to shake under his weight.

Unfazed, Embarambamba continued performing from atop the tent, but as it rocked more vigorously, panic set in, prompting mourners to scamper out while shouting in alarm.

The chaotic scene, however, did little to deter the controversial performer, who quickly leapt onto an adjacent tent and carried on with his act.

It was only after the master of ceremonies intervened and ordered him to come down that calm was gradually restored, allowing the burial proceedings to resume in a more composed atmosphere.

Solemn occasion

Despite the brief moment of chaos sparked by Embarambamba’s dramatic performance, the burial of the late urban Gusii musician, born Kelvin Ngiti, ultimately proceeded in a solemn and dignified manner.

The singer was laid to rest at his parents’ home in Matagaro village, Bosoti Sengera in Kisii County, nearly a week after his tragic death following a short illness.

The ceremony was marked by deeply emotional tributes, with speakers remembering Van Quiz as a rising star whose life had been cut short at the peak of his promise.

Several artistes also took to the stage, delivering performances that comforted the grieving family and reflected on themes of hope and life after death.

However, as the service progressed, grief took centre stage when members of his immediate family and that of his wife were invited to share their final messages.

The emotional weight of the moment proved overwhelming, particularly for his wife, who broke down in tears and had to be supported as mourners struggled to come to terms with the loss.

After the church service, the body was escorted by a large crowd of fans to his home for the final rites.

The procession, made up of motorbikes, vehicles, and mourners on foot, stretched across the village as supporters insisted on accompanying the singer on his final journey.

Just moments before the burial, heavy rains began to pour, turning sections of the ground muddy and slowing movement as mourners navigated water-filled potholes. Despite the challenging conditions, the crowd remained steadfast, determined to give the late musician a befitting send-off.

Emotions once again ran high at the gravesite, where scenes of raw grief unfolded. In one moment captured on video, a distraught fan climbed onto the casket as it rested above the grave, breaking down in tears and prompting loud wails from other mourners.

The burial nonetheless continued, with family members carrying out the final rites, including prayers and the symbolic act of placing soil onto the grave, marking the end of Van Quiz’s final journey.

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