By Henry Chulu:
Scores of people including artists, traditional leaders and government officials on Saturday attended the funeral and burial ceremony of well-known musician Thomas Che Nkhumba Chibade, who was laid to rest at Area 18 Cemetery in Lilongwe.
The artist was at first expected to be laid to rest at his home, Likuluma Village in the Area of Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba, but the programme was changed at the 11th hour following discussions between the family and other members before they settled for Area 18 Cemetery.
Somber moods engulfed Mgona during the funeral service and later burial ceremony at Area 18 Cemetery when the remains of an artist, were being interred.
Struggling to come to terms with Chibade’s passing, the deceased’s uncle Richard Makala said they were at pains as a family to lose a man who was the bread winner.
- Advertisement -
He then expressed gratitude to Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma), Musicians Union of Malawi and the government through Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture for their support throughout the entire programme.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda said the country had lost a talented musician, who had his own style of music and that through his songs, he inspired many people.
Presidential Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs Maxwell Thyolera also described Chibade as a ‘great’ talent that “will be difficult to replace”.
Skeffa Chimoto better known as The Jamming Machine in the music realm, said “he learned a lot from Chibade”.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Chibade died on Wednesday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. He had a liver problem.
The artist came to the limelight in 2005 after he released his debut album titled Zatukutsira which was produced by Ralph Ching’amba.
Chibade, who was 37 years old, is survived by a wife and five children.
