By Blessings Makuwira & Sam Banda Jnr:
Soldier Lucius Banda’s legacy will leave on, Alleluya Banda leader Paul Subili said on Friday at Andiamo Ground in Balaka during the free-of-charge commemoration show.
The show, which also commemorated the 40th anniversary of Andiamo and 30th anniversary of St Monica School, attracted a huge audience that enjoyed performances from among others, Alleluya Band, Mirella Nkhoma, Charles Sinetre and Zembani Band.
“Lucius alongside his brother Sir Paul are the founders of Alleluya Band and so, we had to celebrate his life since we were in Italy during his burial,” he said.
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The concert also saw artists calling upon the government to construct a museum for artists, who have contributed immensely to the growth of the creative industry.
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Charles Sinetre popularly known as Reggae Ambassador, said artists like Lucius, did great things for the nation and that they need to be honoured.
“Having a museum, would help young people and the nation as a whole to learn and acknowledge what Lucius did for the nation,” he said.
Sinetre also said there was need to honour artists when they are alive.
During the show, Lucius’ songs were on song as the audience sang along and danced them all the way.
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One of the people, who patronised the memorial show, Yamikani Twaibu hailed Alleluya Band for celebrating Lucius’ life.
“Lucius remained faithful to music, his albums were great and his songs have touched so many people. It is sad we lost him but his legacy for sure will leave on,” Twaibu said.
He then dared up and coming artists to learn from Lucius, saying he maintained standards in his music feats.
Lucius’ son Johnny, who starred with Zembani Band during the memorial show, also thanked Alleluya Band for organising what he described as a ‘special memorial show’.
“I am sure my father is happy with what Alleluya Band has done in remembering him. I would like to thank the whole band including Father Mario for doing this,” he said.
The memorial show comes barely a week after the Banda family held a mass for the legendary musician, who died on June 30 2024 in South Africa after a battle with kidney problems.
Johnny said that as Zembani Band, they will keep Lucius’ legacy alive and that they have started holding their shows.
“We call upon people to continue supporting Zembani Band and with their support, we will continue to thrive,” Johnny, who performed his father’s songs during the memorial show, said.
Meanwhile, Impakt Events, which was being led by Lucius, has announced that it will hold a tribute concert on September 28 2024 in Lilongwe.
The development comes barely a week after Impakt Events announced that the annual Sand Music Festival will not take place this year due to the fact that they were still mourning Lucius, who was the director of the festival.
