For close to three decades, ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda entertained Malawians with his music that blended a variety of themes, including advocacy for justice and democratic values.
But the self-styled ‘Soldier of the Poor’ won’t sing anymore. He breathed his last at a South African hospital after a battle with kidney problem.
“We have lost him,” Zembani Band manager Sam Smacks confirmed in an interview last evening.
He said more details will be released later.
Reacting to the news, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda said he was shocked with Lucius’ passing.
He said: “It is sad. We have lost a great man. He was an icon. Despite what he was going through, we hoped that he would make it. He is one person who united all people because of his art. I am at loss for words to describe what this means to Malawians.”
On his part, Black Missionaries Band leader Anjiru Fumulani said as a band, they are broken to hear of Lucius’ passing.
“He was a gift to the world. His music touched so many lives not only in Malawi but the world over. We will miss him so much,” he said.
Fumulani said Lucius was unique in the sense that he was able to interact with artists of all age groups.
Promoter Jai Banda was in tears as we talked to him about the development last evening.
“I am beyond devastated with the death. Lucius Banda was the greatest artist Malawi has ever produced,” he said.
Jai Banda said he knew Lucius in 1991 and together they worked for many years.
On his part, poet and presidential adviser on arts Q Malewezi said it is hard to accept Lucius’ death.
“This is very hard to accept, especially coming soon after the loss of Dr Saulos Chilima,” he said.
Lucius has died at the age of 53. He released 20 albums with the last one released in 2022 titled Love and Hate.
He marked the start of his music career at the age of 15 in 1985 while in Standard Seven when he worked as a pianist for Alleluya Band at St Montfort Parish of the Catholic Church in Balaka.
In 1993, he went to South Africa to record his first album Son of a Poor Man which he released in 1994, marking the official start of his long music career.
Lucius Banda was also a politician of note.
In 2004, he was elected Balaka North legislator, but lost his seat in 2006 after being convicted of using a fake academic certificate.
Until his death, Lucius was serving as presidential adviser on youth and arts.
He is survived by a wife, Sunganani, and children.
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