When the clock struck 10.30am on Thursday, several journalists led by a team of well-wishers arrived at Paul Banda’s new home at Chatha, Chileka, in Blantyre.
Dressed in his chitenje-made short-sleeved shirt and a black pair trousers, he immediately reminded the visitors that he had not lost his sense of humour. He cracked one joke after another ahead of the serious business at hand.
“I have been in situations where I have felt like it’s over and I am dying. At some point, I surrendered all my phone passwords to my wife. Kenako kuyamba kudandaulanso [then I started regretting disclosing the information] [laughs],” he joked, leaving the whole room in stitches.
Banda explained the reason behind his relocation from Balaka to Blantyre, emphasising his life is now dependent on the dialysis procedure he undergoes two times a week at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
“I don’t know how to explain how the treatment was designed. You can’t joke with it. You are only two skips away from death. I did once and I could literally see myself dead,” he said.
The veteran singer said in that instance, if it was not for the intervention of his now-departed younger brother Lucius, he would have been gone.
Banda said he was rushed to Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre in the middle of the night where the treatment was administered.
Now with Lucius gone, who died on June 30 due to a similar condition, Paul has to face the situation alone.
That is why when he was presented with the K14.5 million donation mobilised by a group led by author Stanley Onjezani Kenani, he failed to hold back his tears.
“I don’t know what to say. I am short of words as I never expected this. If Malawians stood up for each other in times of need like this, then a lot of things would have been easier,” he said.
The Zonse ndi Zabwino creator said due to his condition, his needs are huge since he has to be on a special diet and buy medicine apart from attending the dialysis sessions.
However, despite his sickness, Banda hopes one day he will return to the stage.
One of the organisers of the fundraising initiative, McWilliams Mhone thanked Malawians for supporting the initiative.
He said: “When we rolled out the drive, we did not expect we would make this amount. We are so grateful that we have managed to get this figure.”
Musicians Union of Malawi board chairperson Wycliffe Chimwendo praised Banda for his track record and his work ethic.
He said: “He was so orderly and meticulous in his ways. I remember when we entered his studio he gave us all sweets which he always had and took us to his office to sign the visitors book as protocol demanded.”
Chimwendo appealed to government step in and help the seasoned musician undergo a kidney transplant as it has been previously proposed.
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