23/09/2025
"Mwine Mushi," Dies at 50 After Saying "My Time Is Up"
**SOLWEZI, ZAMBIA – September 23, 2025** – The entertainment industry and legions of fans are mourning the sudden death of beloved Zambian comedian, actor, pastor, and film writer Robam Mwape, widely known by his stage name "Mwine Mushi." Mwape, 50, passed away yesterday evening in Solwezi Central Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and profound social commentary.
His death has come as a shock to many, as there was no public news of him being admitted to a health facility or involved in an accident. However, those close to Mwape revealed a poignant detail: in his final hours, the comedian repeatedly expressed feeling tired and stated, "my time is up."
Owas Ray Mwape, Robam's elder brother and a fellow actor, confirmed the tragic news to Kalemba. Owas recounted that Robam had been well until Sunday afternoon when he began complaining of fatigue. "He was just okay. Yesterday (on Sunday) he was just complaining of his body... feeling tired then today (Monday), he just felt tired and kept on saying 'my time is up, my time is up.' And when he was taken to the hospital, he was already gone," Owas shared.
While Mwape had experienced a health scare last month, collapsing due to high blood pressure in Solwezi's ShopRite, he was discharged two days later and appeared to have made a full recovery. "He wasn’t really sick. [It was] only last month [that] his BP was high. So he fell down in ShopRite Solwezi... But then, two days later, he was even discharged, so we have even been speaking," Owas clarified.
Owas Ray Mwape described his younger brother as an unparalleled talent. "Robam was the most talented person I have ever encountered in my life. Yes, I introduced him to showbiz, but he was so dynamic. He could write, act, direct, everything. All that social commentary in Mwine Mushi, he wrote it. I think he wrote over 4,000 scripts," he stated.
Robam Mwape's journey in entertainment began when his brother introduced him to acting while he was still in Grade 10 at Kasempa Secondary School. He went on to write for the popular series "Kabanana" before joining Muvi TV, where he created the iconic "Mwine Mushi" character that endeared him to audiences across the nation. He later produced several films.
Mwape was also a pastor, leading Robam Mwape Ministries in Solwezi. Due to his family and church ties in the area, his funeral will be held in North Western Province.
Robam Mwape is survived by his wife, four children, two grandchildren, and five siblings – three brothers and two sisters. His passing marks the end of an era for Zambian comedy and film, leaving a void that will be deeply felt
