Malawians are mourning the death of veteran reggae singer Lucius Banda, a significant loss to the country’s entertainment sector. Banda, a true music icon, was one of Malawi’s most prominent artists and a dedicated patriot. His songs addressed the daily struggles of ordinary Malawians and often focused on political issues, highlighting the oppressive nature of government and its officials. His deep understanding of Malawi’s political landscape was evident in his art.
Born Lucius Chicco Banda and popularly known by his stage name, Soldier Lucius Banda, he was more than just a singer-songwriter, music producer, and politician. He was a voice for the voiceless in Malawi’s volatile political scene. His passing comes just weeks after the deaths of young musician Spyral Mwenya in a car accident and Vice President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash. Banda was receiving treatment at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he passed away on June 30th at the age of 53.
President Lazarus Chakwera expressed his grief in a brief eulogy, stating that he will miss Banda’s political activism through music. “It is with deep sorrow that the First Lady and I mourn the passing of Hon. Lucius Banda, who was the Presidential Advisor on Youth and Arts. His political activism through music that captured our hopes and dreams, especially during the fight for democracy, has profoundly shaped our nation, giving voice to the voiceless and challenging injustices,” said Chakwera. He added that Banda’s legacy as a champion of the oppressed and a beacon of hope will continue to inspire Malawi and beyond.
Banda had been battling kidney disease for several years and frequently required hospital visits. While in South Africa, he took to social media to update Malawians on his condition, stating, “Hello Malawi. How are you? I see a lot of messages, a lot of worries about my situation. Yeah, it’s true. I am in a hospital here in South Africa because of a stressful issue. I have a kidney problem, so I always go for what we call dialysis. The reason I was using a walking stick, or maybe a wheelchair, is because of my left leg. I was attacked by gout.”
The Malawian government confirmed Banda’s death in a press statement. Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kalongashawa remarked, “The nation will live to remember Honourable Lucius Banda, fondly referred to as Soldier, as a dedicated and selfless son of Malawi who courageously fought all his life for the betterment of the lives of ordinary people through his music and political involvement. Government, in consultation with the family, will keep the nation informed of all funeral arrangements.”
Following the news of his death, musicians and industry professionals took to social media to express their condolences. This period has been particularly difficult for Malawi, with the loss of several influential voices.
Lucius Banda’s contributions to music and politics have left an indelible mark on Malawi, and he will be remembered as a true icon and advocate for his people.
