Los Angeles, CA – June 2025
By Keziah Hadebe
During the excitement of the BET Experience 2025, a heartfelt moment of remembrance and solidarity emerged as Dr. Davies Chirwa, renowned media executive and President of Channel A TV, and Malawian international music icon Tay Grin paused their media engagements to pay tribute to the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu of Zambia.
Attending the prestigious WayMaker Men’s Summit as Special VIP Guests, both Dr. Chirwa and Tay Grin were in Los Angeles to represent African creatives on a global stage. The summit, part of BET’s wider celebration of Black excellence, brought together influential voices from the worlds of entertainment, business, faith, and activism.
Despite their tight schedules and high-profile media coverage duties, the two took time to publicly honor President Lungu during a special segment aired on Channel A TV via ROKU TV. The emotional tribute reflected their deep respect for a leader who left a lasting impact on Zambia and the African continent.
In an on-air conversation moderated by Dr. Chirwa, Tay Grin expressed his condolences to the people of Zambia and the global Zambian diaspora:
“It’s a painful loss for Zambia and Africa as a whole. President Lungu led with wisdom, humility, and strength. His memory will live on as we continue his vision of unity and empowerment across the continent.”
Dr. Chirwa, a media powerhouse with Zambian heritage, emphasized the importance of acknowledging leaders like Lungu, even while attending global events:
“President Lungu was a symbol of integrity, leadership, and grace. As Africans in the creative space, we have a duty to recognize those who built the platforms on which we now stand. It was only right that we pause and pay our respects.”
The late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away in 2025, served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021. Known for his calm leadership and deep commitment to social and economic development, he was revered for guiding the country through periods of transition with steadfast vision.
The tribute from Dr Chirwa and Tay Grin was more than a symbolic gesture—it was a reflection of the interconnectedness of African nations and creatives, and how shared values of leadership, dignity, and unity continue to shape narratives across borders.
Their message resonated far beyond the red carpet of the BET Experience, reminding the world that even in spaces of celebration, moments of remembrance and reverence hold equal power.
Keziah Hadebe is a dynamic Zambian creative with a multifaceted presence in the entertainment and digital space. She is an actress, content creator, YouTuber, celebrity publicist, and digital marketer, known for blending storytelling with strategic influence. Keziah uses her platform to connect, inspire, and elevate African voices in media and marketing.
