Soldier hits 51
Legendary musician Soldier Lucius Banda, who is also Presidential Adviser on Youth and Arts, Tuesday hailed Malawians for their support describing them as “good people”, as he celebrated his 51st birthday.
He described this year as special despite struggling with illness which has seen him undergoing dialysis at Mwaiwathu Hospital in Blantyre with his brother Paul.
“The way I started it, I didn’t know I would reach this far. I hoped, of course, but I didn’t believe I would reach this far but God has been faithful,” Lucius said.
He said the period of illness has made him understand life better.
“I regret that if I knew this, I would have contributed more to the world than I have now. There is so much that I have learnt on the hospital bed and at home, where I have received more people, cheering me and encouraging me and the family,” the ‘Son of a Poor Man’ creator said.
He further said 2021 is a year of lessons and discoveries.
“I have learnt during this period that human beings are good people, especially Malawians, but the devil tries to come in and confuse everything,” Lucius said.
He said his family has gone through a difficult time with his illness and those of his brothers Sir Paul and Francis but Malawians have stood with them and supported them tremendously.
Lucius recently premiered a video of his gospel track ‘Ndinu Yemweyo’.
The ‘Mabala’ star first released the audio for ‘Ndinu Yemweyo’ before working on the video.
People commended him for the quality of the video which was shot at the beautiful Malape Hills in Machinga District and other areas near Lake Malawi as well as a powerful message.
He has hinted that he would hold concerts once the situation is normal to thank Malawians for the support.
With 19 albums to his credit, Lucius said he could have already released his 20th album if not for his illness but promised to do so.
He also bemoaned the hard life that the creative industry is experiencing at the moment due to Covid.
Due to a rise in Covid cases, artists have not been holding shows, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
“It’s been hard for artists without shows. I have even used part of the money people have been supporting us with to help Zembani Band members,” he said.
Lucius also spoke about his music shift to concentrate more on gospel music.
“I have been doing gospel music but its different now because I am doing it with the understanding of the word of God. I have been reading the Bible more,” Lucius said.
His son Johnny has recently spoken of his love for father’s music and that he is ready to follow in his footsteps although he said it would be a challenge.
