Veteran poet Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga has mourned Soldier Lucius Banda through a poem titled ‘Weeping for Lucius’.
He describes Lucius as “Soldier of The Poor” and that, through his masterpieces, he lifted low spirits and opened eyes to new vistas of understanding befitting responsible citizenry.
He writes: “Was it a premonition about your painful departure Lucius, when on one Saturday evening last week, I sat in my preferred pub in Mangochi, pondering over and reflecting on your music; refreshing and provocative music booming from relentless speakers heralding your heart-wrenching demise triggering inconsolable lamentations as gallons of tears fall?”
Wokomaatani, famed for poems such as ‘Ndidzakutengera ku Nyanja Ligineti’ and ‘Siananso Awa’, also describes Lucius as “Soldier of The People” and that he tackled topical issues troubling a nation and its citizenry, with a penetrating mind unraveling profound insights challenging thinkers seeking justice and moving souls hankering for fairness in the world where it was pathetically and unbelievably deficient.
In the poem, Wokomaatani looks at songs such as ‘Mzimu’, ‘M’bale Wanga’ and ‘Nthawi’ as some exceptional tracks.
“Insightful ‘Nthawi’ was a measure of the depth of your perspective on the things that mattered when the world conspired against you and your likes for seeking justice that levels the playing field for all”.
He also looks at ‘Mzimu Wa Soldier’, which he says “carried your readiness to face death” [and] “encapsulated your humility as you advocated and pleaded for a simple and basic burial when you depart”.
Through ‘Kheliwe’ and ‘Zakukhosi’, the poet looks at how Lucius elevated sublime love to its apogee, making everyone enjoy an overdose of romance, sheer creatively and unpacked with lyrics oozing with honey.
“Lucius Chicco Banda, rest in eternal peace as you quietly savour your monumental accomplishments shining forever until we meet again. As an advocate of genuine change, his music resonated well with the masses that adored him,” he says.
Wokomaatani says in death, Lucius has become larger than he was in life because of the chasm his departure has created.
“The locally unprecedented number of albums he produced, straddling a wide array of topical themes, will continue to speak for him,” he says.
In a related development, Musicians Union of Malawi, through a statement signed by its general secretary Tonney Chitimatima, says Lucius’ contribution to the music industry is unparalled and that he tirelessly supported fellow musicians.
Musicians Rights Forum through its general secretary Princess Chitsulo also mourned Lucius.
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