On the day that legendary musician ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda was laid to rest, his home district in Balaka came to a standstill, Brian Itai reports.
Throughout his career spanning over three decades, the artist was always a big attraction. Whether performing or just strolling in the towns and cities, everyone wanted to get a glimpse of their ‘Soldier’.
But the gathering he had summoned on Thursday at Balaka Stadium might have been his last, but probably one of the greatest.
The venue of his send off was filled to the brim and just outside it and around the whole council business district, the mood was buzzing.
His music and presence echoed beyond the stadium. The only difference was that he was not given a microphone to do what he knows best.
He lay quietly in his white coffin surrounded by thousands of fans that he has entertained in his entire career.
Led by President Lazarus Chakwera, his vice Michael Usi, other political leader such as Atupele Muluzi, Patricia Kaliati, deputy chief justice Lovemore Chikopa and his brother Paul, people paid their respects to the artist.
‘Soldiers’ last show was the greatest
On the day that legendary musician ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda was laid to rest, his home district in Balaka came to a standstill.
Throughout his career spanning over three decades, the artist was always a big attraction. Whether performing or just strolling in the towns and cities, everyone wanted to get a glimpse of their ‘Soldier’.
But the gathering he had summoned on Thursday at Balaka Stadium might have been his last, but probably one of the greatest.
The venue of his send off was filled to the brim and just outside it and around the whole council business district, the mood was buzzing. His music and presence echoed beyond the stadium.
The only difference was that he was not given a microphone to do what he knows best.
He lay quietly in his white coffin surrounded by thousands of fans that he has entertained in his entire career. Led by President Lazarus Chakwera, his vice Michael Usi, other political leader such as Atupele Muluzi, Patricia Kaliati, deputy chief justice Lovemore Chikopa and his brother Paul, people paid their respects to the artist.
Emotional eulogies
In their emotionally-filled eulogies, the line from many who spoke was similar. They talked of a great artist he was, a humble human being and how much his death is a loss to the music industry and the country as a whole.
Musicians Union of Malawi president Vita Chirwa said despite his success and longevity in the trade, Lucius remained humble.
“He was an example. He gave a platform to both local and international artists to thrive artistically.
“Although we are escorting him on his final journey on earth, but his music will never die,” he said.
Chirwa has urged on Lucius’ family, Zembani Band Company, all who loved his music and former members of Zembani Band to ensure the mission he started does not die.
Copyright Society of Malawi board member Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango praised Lucius for being consistent throughout his career and never fading from the limelight.
Mhango said: “There is no one who can claim he did not know his music. That shows the power of the gift that God gave him.”
He has however cautioned people against the reckless use of his music as they do tributes to him since now copyrights of his work fall under his family.
Mhango asked the government to consider exploring some initiatives to develop the sector such as increasing venues and accessibility of instruments as per the wish of Soldier.
His son, Jonny Zembani, who spoke on behalf of his siblings, recalled their father as being friendly.
“We called him dude. If tried anything serious, he knew you were up to something. His mission will never die,” he said.
His former protege at Zembani Band, Jane Kachepatsonga described Soldier as a father figure who was accommodating to everyone.
In his remarks, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, who spoke on behalf of President Lazarus Chakwera, assured Lucius’ family of government’s continued support.
He said: “The President was with Lucius during the three years he was unwell and nothing will change now. The family and his elder brother Paul should be assured of continued support.”
The minister asked the President to consider making the Nahec Bill, which Lucius fought for, among his priorities.
Lucius Banda was born on August 17 1970. He hails from Sosola village in Balaka district.
This article was first published in The Nation.
“We called him dude.”
Johnny Zembani Banda
