Izeki made the nation laugh, Malawi mourns his death: Tribute pour in

Many Malawians have been paying tribute to celebrated actor John Nyanga, popularly known as Izeki in theatrical circles, who died Sunday describing him as ‘great son’ of the soil.

Izeki: He made Malawi laugh
Izeki: He made Malawi laugh

The thespian, who has been trading under the moniker Izeki alongside longtime partner Eric Mabedi in Izeki ndi Jakobo, has had a long battle of bout of tuberculosis and died  at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre.

Former Malawi president Bakili Muluzi, who during his tenure as Malawi leader was hiring Izeki and Jakobo to entertain at public rallies, said Izeki “will forever be remembered as one of the great  actors. “

Muluzi said he was “incredibly sad” with Izeki who also was a member of United Democratic Front  (UDF) and a presenter at Joy Radio.

“To lose people like this is very sad.”

Government spokesperson who is also the Minister of Information,  Patricia Kaliati described Nyanga’s death as a great loss not to his family but to the nation as whole.

“John Nyanga was a nice man, very accommodative , friendly, he was someone who can associate and inclusive , it’s very sad, really sad we have lost a talent,” said Kaliati.

“ We’re going to miss him, our condolences to his family and his long time partner Jacob (Eric Mabedi) “, Kaliati mourned.

Actor and producer, Michael Usi aka Manganya described Nyanga’s dealth as a great loss to the arts Industry.

“He will be greatly missed. He was not just an actor he knew what he was doing in terms of communicating with people in terms of sensitizing people in different issues like HIV and AIDs and other important issues. It’s a great loss, he was one of the pioneers in terms of comedy in Malawi , he was instrumental in terms of ensuring that arts is respected field industry in the country,” Usi said in his tribute in hour of the departed actor.

“John Nyanga was effective communicator through drama. He was strategic,” he added.

Musician-cum-politician, Lucius Banda  said the loss of Nyanga is “ incalculable.”

“Losing John is like losing a pillar in arts industry of Malawi. We have lost a cream, we will remember him as a source of inspiration who inspired young people into arts industry. He was one cordial guy who always made the nation laugh and smile. This guy made arts stand,” Banda said.

On social media, tribute continued to pour in.

Miss Malawi UK organiser Kondi Bowoyeke Mutharika wrote:”Malawi has lost a great son in John Nyanga…This man brought so much laughter to millions, he was simply a genius …

We should be naming national monuments in honour of such great sons of the country rather than our immoral politicians “

Naiyah Esaya wrote: “Sad news on the passing of one of Malawi’s greatest comedy icons more known as Izeki, I grew up listening to their comedy sketches over the radio so close and intently [because] I felt the connection … when they released their video, grainy as it was, I enjoyed that even more. I pray for comfort and strength for the family and his dear friend Jakobo aka Eric Mabedi. Rest in peace Izeki aka John Nyanga”

Meanwhile the body of Late John Nyanga will be laid to rest this coming Tuesday in Blantyre.

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Damiano Hara
Damiano Hara
7 years ago

We have lost great talent indeed! MHSRIP

tuntyufe
tuntyufe
7 years ago

liked the way he used to make fun of his own looks to make us laugh

Derek Mwalabu
Derek Mwalabu
7 years ago

here is Someone who deserve a state funeral. DRC did it with Papa Wemba heroes are not only politicians and John Nyanga was more popular than the majority of our politicians.

zachisoni
zachisoni
7 years ago
Reply to  Derek Mwalabu

i agree mr derek

Zinjathropus
Zinjathropus
7 years ago

we shall miss you John may ur soul rest in piece

Khuvave
7 years ago

Rest in Peace Izeki

TINEYI
TINEYI
7 years ago

Abale!!!!!Just to see Izeki on stage, the way he was dressing even before he said anything, people will start laughing. He was a proper comedian and we are going to miss him for sure. May his Soul Rest in Peace

M\'bobo
M\'bobo
7 years ago

Rest In Piece Izeki

Khuvave
7 years ago
Reply to  M\'bobo

better use peace not piece

joel nkhonya
joel nkhonya
7 years ago
Reply to  Khuvave

John did his part and has left a big legacy for young Nyasalanders to follow suit, he was creative, innovative and thought at spot on what to say as he acted with Eric, they were a good pair, I dont think Eric will find such a complementer to his acting

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