Malawians have mobilised K14 million in a fundraising initiative to help ailing seasoned musician Paul Banda.
The initiative lead, author Stanley Onjezani Kenani has expressed his gratitude to all Malawians who contributed. He said the gesture has demonstrated that Malawians can show love to their legends while still alive.
“I am just overwhelmed by the response, first by the people’s love for ‘Sir’ Paul Banda, seeing as contributors were from all walks of life and second by the people’s trust in me,” he said in an interview yesterday from his base in France.
Kenani led the initiative, whose organising team also included Pilirani Semu, Raphael Kamoto, Mcwilliams Mhone and Blasto Kenani. The money will be handed over to the singer today.
The team said they engaged Fletcher and Evance audit firm to look at the bank statements and mobile money accounts through which the donations were received to ensure transparency and accountability.
Kenani said: “We need to obtain assurance that we handed over to Paul Banda all the money we received. I want to tell the public that we are being audited and they should be assured that we handled the money in accordance with their expectations.”
In an interview with The Nation last week, Paul Banda said he is due to undergo a transplant although the processes are still ongoing.
But when we asked Kenani if there will be another initiative to help him meet costs for the proposed transplant, he said that would not be a sustainable way.
“Some colleagues who massively supported the initiative have brought the matter to the attention of the government. We hope he will be accorded the required support,” he said.
On her part, Semu, who proposed the fundraising via social media, expressed gratitude to Kenani for spearheading the initiative with dedication and hard work. She said Kenani’s efforts have been commendable.
She said: “While watching Lucius’ funeral I was struck by how frail and broken Paul appeared. A friend told me earlier that he occasionally sends him money to help with his treatment, but it was clear that more support was needed. That inspired me to take action.”
Paul Banda is battling a kidney problem and is required to attend dialysis sessions at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre twice a week. Due to financial strain, he was forced to temporarily relocate from his base in Balaka to Blantyre to be closer to the hospital. Two weeks ago, Paul’s younger brother Lucius, died of a similar condition in South Africa. Paul Banda is considered one of the artists to have kick-started the revolution of Malawi’s modern music during his time at Imbirani Yhawe Studios and Alleluia Band.
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