Soldier Lucius Banda was arguably a musician extraordinaire and two years since his demise, his legacy still lives on.
With 20 albums to his acclaim including Survivor, Unity, Cell 51, Cease Fire and Down Babylon, the musician’s mausoleum will be officially launched at Sosola in Balaka Saturday.
The launch of the mausoleum by the family marks a lasting tribute to the music icon whose voice and music shaped Malawi’s cultural, social and political landscape for more than three decades.
A press statement says the mausoleum has been constructed through contributions from Soldier’s family and close friends and will subsequently be managed by the Lucius Banda Foundation.
The statement further says that the foundation will oversee efforts to preserve and promote Soldier’s extraordinary legacy as well as raise funds to continue with his projects.
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Lucius’ son Johnny said yesterday they were happy as a family that finally a dream has come true to unveil the tombstone for his father.
“This is the way of saluting him for all the things he did for the family and the country. We miss him but his legacy will continue to live on,” he said.
Johnny said the mausoleum has been conceived as more than a memorial to his father and that it is intended to preserve the story of a Malawian whose influence extended well beyond music.
Born and raised in Balaka, Soldier rose from humble beginnings to become one of Malawi’s most influential musicians.
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Over a career spanning approximately 35 years, Soldier who was until his death presidential advisor on youth and culture, released 20 albums and more than 400 songs, building a body of work that resonated deeply with
Malawians at home and abroad.
His music was distinguished not merely by its popularity but by its ability to speak directly to the realities of ordinary Malawians.
Through his songs, Soldier addressed poverty, inequality, governance, corruption, love, family, social justice and the everyday struggles of the people.
Among the features of the mausoleum is a visual documentation of Soldier’s 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.
Lucius was also a prominent political figure; he served two terms as Member of Parliament for Balaka North and was actively involved in Malawi’s political landscape, serving as an executive member of both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and, later, the United Transformation Movement (UTM).
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 statement says that subjected to availability of resources, the long-term vision is to establish a Lucius Banda Museum at the site, creating a permanent cultural and heritage centre where Malawians and visitors can experience and celebrate the life and work of the late musician.
The proposed museum would provide space for the preservation and exhibition of Soldier’s music, photographs, instruments, personal belongings, recordings and other materials documenting his career in music and politics.
After the launch of the mausoleum, there will be a celebration of Soldier’s life at Balaka Stadium set to feature several artists including Phungu Joseph Nkasa, Coss Chiwalo, Zembani Band, Paul Subili and Alleluya Band, Black Missionaries and Lulu.
Lulu who starred with Soldier for years before going solo to form Mathumela Band, will perform having recently released a tribute titled ‘Soja’.
