By Blessings Makuwira:
Tears flowed once again on Saturday as sorrow returned to Sosola Village in Balaka during the unveiling ceremony of the beautiful mausoleum for iconic musician Soldier Lucius Banda.
A mausoleum inscribed in Soldier’s name – Lucius Banda now guards the final resting place of Malawi’s music colossus, offering the country a sanctuary where his revolutionary sounds will echo for generations.
Although the musician sang in his track ‘Mzimu wa Soldier’, which earned him the moniker Soldier, that he should not be given a lavish interment followed by other rites, his family and friends decided to honour and treasure him with a K25 million mausoleum.
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Family members, friends, creatives, politicians, academicians, religious and traditional leaders among others, were all there to witness the launch of the mausoleum, two years after Lucius’ death.
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Amid profound grief and memories of a lifetime in song, the launch of Soldier’s eternal monument reminds a nation that legends never truly leave the airwaves.
Soldier is no longer present physically; but his voice remains stitched into the very fabric of the country’s soul with his sounds enjoying airplay.
Well-known for songs such as ‘Mabala and ‘Nthawi’, Soldier’s mausoleum stands tall –not as a symbol of an end, but as a monument to a legacy that will never die.
The mausoleum has been conceived as more than a memorial to a musician extraordinaire as it is intended to preserve the story of Soldier whose influence extended well beyond music.
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Among the features of the mausoleum is a visual documentation of Lucius’ life and career, including photographs and memorabilia reflecting his long journey in the music industry as well as his involvement in Malawi’s political life.
After unveiling of the mausoleum, a mass was held led by Bishop Montfort Sitima of Mangochi Diocese at Soldier’s residence.
Second Vice President Enock Chihana described Soldier as a principled and courageous man.
“Lucius was a close friend of mine and we shared the same vision on how Malawi can progress,” Chihana said.
Soldier’s widow Sunganani took time out to ask the government to consider installing a dialysis unit in the Eastern Region.
“Patients requiring dialysis travel long distances to access the service. Putting the service within the reach of the people will ease the burden, “she said.
Soldier, who died in South Africa, also had kidney problems.
Zembani Band leader Sam Smack hailed people who contributed towards the mausoleum.
“Lucius was a son of the soil and he deserves such a mausoleum. We miss him but Zembani Band led by his son Johnny Zembani continues because he laid a strong foundation,” he said.
Chairperson of the organising committee Allan Phiri said there are also plans to open a museum where Lucius Banda Foundation will be operating.
“Lucius did so much for Malawi; his music addressed social and national issues,” Phiri said.
Born and raised in Balaka, Soldier rose from humble beginnings to become one of Malawi’s most influential musicians.
Over a career spanning approximately 35 years, he released 20 albums and more than 400 songs, building a body of work that resonated deeply with Malawians at home and abroad.
His transition between music and politics reflected the same characteristic that defined much of his public life: a willingness to engage directly with the issues affecting ordinary Malawians.
The climax of Soldier’s remembrance was at Balaka Stadium where several musicians including Lulu, Black Missionaries, Evance Meleka and Piksy shared the stage during a tribute concert.
During the freeof- charge concert, which attracted a huge audience, the Lucius Banda Foundation was also launched with People’s Development Party leader Kondwani Nankhumwa donating blankets amounting to K2 million.
