Malawi is mourning the death of celebrated photographer Ras Peter Kansengwa, a man whose camera captured some of the country’s biggest moments and whose passion for photography earned him admiration across generations.
Kansengwa died while receiving treatment at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe after battling a leg illness for some time.
His son, Silvate, confirmed the death, saying the veteran photographer passed away after being admitted to the hospital on Wednesday. Just days before his death, Kansengwa revealed on his social media page that he was unwell.
Tributes have continued to pour in from musicians, media personalities and ordinary Malawians, all remembering a man who dedicated his life to preserving memories through his lens.
Gospel group Great Angels Choir described Kansengwa as one of the people who tirelessly supported their ministry.
“If what we are hearing is true, then this has been a very painful week for us. Kansengwa was one of the people who helped Great Angels grow. Every December 25 at BICC, he was always among the first to arrive and welcome people while capturing the event. This is heartbreaking,” the group wrote on Facebook.
Media personality Someon Boyce also shared an emotional tribute, recalling Kansengwa’s determination despite the hardships he faced.
Boyce narrated how Kansengwa once told him about a frightening experience while covering an Evison Matafale and Black Missionaries show at the former Warehouse entertainment venue in Blantyre. While photographing the event, a senior government official allegedly accused him of taking paparazzi-style pictures for a tabloid newspaper and ordered security guards to seize and destroy his camera.
According to the story, Kansengwa pleaded with the guards, insisting he had not photographed the official, but was slapped, chased and forced to abandon his camera before running all the way from central Blantyre to Ndirande without stopping until dawn.
“Rest well, Rasta,” Boyce wrote.
Hip-hop star Gwamba summed up the feelings of many with a brief but powerful message: “Legendary! May his soul rest in peace.”
Kansengwa was also known for his award-winning career and for documenting countless public events across Malawi.
In 2021, he found himself at the centre of a viral debate after photographs he took of South African performer Makhadzi at the Sand Music Festival sparked nationwide discussions about event photography and ethics.
Despite controversies that occasionally surrounded his work, many have described him as a fearless and passionate professional who remained committed to telling stories through pictures.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for the veteran photographer had not yet been announced by the family at the time of publication, with relatives expected to communicate details once plans are finalized.
Kansengwa died while receiving treatment at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe after battling a leg illness for some time.
His son, Silvate, confirmed the death, saying the veteran photographer passed away after being admitted to the hospital on Wednesday. Just days before his death, Kansengwa revealed on his social media page that he was unwell.
Tributes have continued to pour in from musicians, media personalities and ordinary Malawians, all remembering a man who dedicated his life to preserving memories through his lens.
Gospel group Great Angels Choir described Kansengwa as one of the people who tirelessly supported their ministry.
“If what we are hearing is true, then this has been a very painful week for us. Kansengwa was one of the people who helped Great Angels grow. Every December 25 at BICC, he was always among the first to arrive and welcome people while capturing the event. This is heartbreaking,” the group wrote on Facebook.
Media personality Someon Boyce also shared an emotional tribute, recalling Kansengwa’s determination despite the hardships he faced.
Boyce narrated how Kansengwa once told him about a frightening experience while covering an Evison Matafale and Black Missionaries show at the former Warehouse entertainment venue in Blantyre. While photographing the event, a senior government official allegedly accused him of taking paparazzi-style pictures for a tabloid newspaper and ordered security guards to seize and destroy his camera.
According to the story, Kansengwa pleaded with the guards, insisting he had not photographed the official, but was slapped, chased and forced to abandon his camera before running all the way from central Blantyre to Ndirande without stopping until dawn.
“Rest well, Rasta,” Boyce wrote.
Hip-hop star Gwamba summed up the feelings of many with a brief but powerful message: “Legendary! May his soul rest in peace.”
Kansengwa was also known for his award-winning career and for documenting countless public events across Malawi.
In 2021, he found himself at the centre of a viral debate after photographs he took of South African performer Makhadzi at the Sand Music Festival sparked nationwide discussions about event photography and ethics.
Despite controversies that occasionally surrounded his work, many have described him as a fearless and passionate professional who remained committed to telling stories through pictures.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for the veteran photographer had not yet been announced by the family at the time of publication, with relatives expected to communicate details once plans are finalized.
