By Sam Banda Jnr & Blessings Makuwira:
Today marks the end of an era for possibly one of the greatest musicians Malawi has ever produced in Soldier Lucius Banda, as his remains will be interred at Sosola Village in Balaka District.
Condolence messages continue to pour in, including from Jamaican musicians Gramps Morgan of reggae outfit Morgan Heritage, Busy Signal and Kenyatta Hill, who have joined the rest of the nation in mourning Lucius.
He passed away in South Africa last Sunday following a battle with kidney problems.
“Bro Lucius Banda RIP. I mourn with you Malawi. I’ll never forget the night singing with you all at the Sand Music Festival. Condolences to the wife, children and the entire family,” Gramps, who starred at Sand Music Festival at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima in 2021, said.
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The ‘People Like You’ star delivered a virtuoso performance and expressed his fondness for the festival to the audience.
Busy Signal, who performed at Sand Music Festival twice in 2015 and 2022, also conveyed a message of condolence to the family and the nation for the death of Lucius.
“A good man, the first time we met he impressed me, we give thanks and celebrate his life. My condolences to the family,” the artist said.
His message came just a day after Kenyatta Hill and his mother had also sent their condolences.
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More people continue to send in their condolences for the loss of Lucius, who carved out a distinguished music career spanning over 30 years and released 20 albums including ‘Son of the Poor Man’, ‘Unity’, Survivor’, ‘Cell 51’, and ‘Cease Fire’.
On Wednesday, there was a sombre atmosphere at the deceased’s house in Balaka where a mass was celebrated with Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese as the main celebrant.
The mass followed another service at St Louis Parish on Tuesday led by Father Kizito Khauya.
Musicians Union of Malawi will hold a music parade today, while the Musicians Rights Forum (MRF) held a candlelight memorial yesterday to celebrate the life of Lucius.
Lucius was born on August 17, 1970 and is survived by a wife and three children.
A statement signed by Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, indicates that President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to attend Lucius’ funeral service at Balaka Stadium.
Meanwhile, the remains of renowned actor and broadcaster Hope Chisanu, who died in the United States of America early last month, will be laid to rest today at Kamphata in Lilongwe.
