Malawi’s leading sensational music label, Gold Mountain Music and globally recognised music label, Universal Music Group have signed a four year deal for the rights of all albums of legendary music kingpin and the undisputed Malawi music landlord, Soldier Lucius Banda.
Gold Mountain, which is owned and led by veteran and iconic music producer Tapps Bandawe, is poised to take Malawi music to the Golan heights of world music and this development is a testament of this journey.
Apart from the albums, the deal also includes all music written and recorded by the late Lucius Banda, who has 20 albums under his belt.
The Balaka born-and-raised, Lucius Banda is the most celebrated musician in Malawi and has sang songs on every subject matter, making people resonate their stories to his music.
Gold Mountain Music and Universal Music Group have thus entered into this fresh deal having also signed a seven year administration deal.
Bandawe, who has worked with Lucius Banda in a number of projects, including producing Lucius Banda’s biggest tune of all time Nthawi, says the signing of the deal is important in that the biggest and most important music catalogue in Malawian music history has signed to the biggest music and entertainment company.
Says Bandawe: “This is to ensure that Lucius Banda’s legacy and music does not die. Lucius was a musical genius genius and left behind a music empire which needs to be maintained so that generations can also enjoy the gift that he was to the country.
Bandawe explains that Lucius Banda will continue to lead the way even in his death, saying this deal will put Malawi on the international music scene and that many young talents will benefit the partnership between Gold Mountain and Universal Music.
“Lucius Banda will never die. His music will live forever,” explains Bandawe, a successful music guru, entertainment business mogul, songwriter, producer and rapper who during his hey day conquered South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States with his music conquests.
Bandawe, the man behind the Malawian afro-sounds says the deal will also open doors not only for Lucius Banda but also many a Malawian up-and-coming music prodigies who will have a rare opportunity to have their music used in globally trending movies and other outlets on the international market.
Tapps then hails the family for entrusting them with the work of cataloguing Lucius’ music.
“I am glad that the family recognises the importance of this project and I would like to thank them personally for allowing us to honour the greatest son of the soil.
Explains Bandawe: “Lucius Banda is a national treasure and so his legacy and works must be preserved with honour and dignity.”
Lucius’ son, Johnny Zembani Banda, who is also the director of Zembani Music Company, says the deal seeks to preserve his father’s legacy and allow the music to live beyond generations.
“As a family, we are grateful.
“We know this deal will keep my father’s legacy but also at the same time give a chance to the new generations and those to come to enjoy the music that Lucius Banda gave to the world.
“It is pleasing that with Universal Music and Gold Mountain, Lucius Banda’s music will reach out to all corners of the world,” explains.
Lucius Banda, the Zakukhosi and Zidzayenda composer and a serial hit-maker, who died last year contributed immensely to the growth of the creative sector in the country.
The Sijakuzi, Si Motorola creator, Lucius Banda, who at one time Member of Parliament for Balaka North constituency, was at the time of his death, an advisor on Youth, Arts and Culture to the incumbent president of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
Lucius Banda is responsible for revolutionising the Malawi music industry with his creativity, dexterity and his artistic forward-thinking prowess and under his mentorship and leadership he singlehandedly sprung out some of the best music talents in the country including Billy Kaunda, Lulu, Dan Lu, Sam Simakweli, Charles Nsaku, Wendy Harawa just to mention but a few.
Some of the albums he released included among others, Son of a Poor man, Survivor, Time, Down Babylon, Cease Fire, Cell 51 and Unity.
“Lucius Banda will never die. His music will live forever.”
Tapps Bandawe
Producer and Founding Director
Gold Mountain Music
