Malawi politicians, artists pay tributes to Mafunyeta: Burial Tuesday
Malawi politicians of all political shades have joined the local urban music fraternity in paying tribute following the unexpected death of renowned and celebrated dancehall artist, Mafunyeta who died on Sunday night.
The nation on Monday woke up to the saddest news of Mafunyeta’s death, born Patrick Magalasi, who succumbed to Asthma attack hours after returning from his sister Mphatso’s funeral-who had died of same Asthma-in Mwanza.
He was pronounced dead on arrival at around 9pm on Sunday night at Area 18 dispensary where he was rushed to apparently after he had ran out of inhaler when he had the attack.
Meanwhile, his remains have been taken to his home district of Mwanza and burial is expected to take place on Tuesday 13th August, 2013.
Politicians’ tribute
Leading the tributes was President Joyce Banda who used her Facebook page to express condolences.
“I am very shocked to hear the death of one of our nation’s best talented young musician Patrick Magalasi (aka, Mafunyeta.) My Condolences go out to the family….He was truly a great youngman sharing his music of love and peace,” she wrote.
DPP president Peter Mutharika also wrote on his ‘Pursuit of Happiness’Facebook page: “We are losing the youth which is sad. May the soul of Mafunyeta a music artist rest in peace and that his family finds comfort during this time. “
UDF president Atupele Muluzi described Mafunyeta as a remarkable type of artist.
“The UDF party and I extend our condolences to the family of Magalasi, the youth of this country and to the music fraternity on the loss of Mafunyeta. He will remain in our memories,” said Muluzi.
MCP new president Dr Lazarous Chakwera also described Mafunyeta’s death as a “huge loss”.
“My thoughts and sympathy are with his family. May his soul rest in peace.”
And in an interview with Nyasa Times, government’s spokesperson, Moses Kunkuyu said it was saddening for the nation to lose one of the talented youngsters who moved the music scene with his rare touch of
creativity.
“The young colleague had a great touch of originality and uniqueness. It’s difficult to be creative but easy to copy. The young man made life easy for others who are making names in the field of arts. As government and on behalf of the entire nation, we would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family of Magalasi who, in a space of
four days, have lost two children,” said Kunkuyu.
The youthful minister has since urged the nation to cherish and appreciate the rare and unique talent the country has in many others while they are alive.
Kunkuyu said: “Such people like Mafunyeta, was, emerge sparingly in this world. His death adds on the band of the unique characters we have lost along the way in the likes of Chris Chiwalo (GPMG), Du Chisiza Jnr, Evison Matafale and Vic Marley.
“It’s important that we cherish and appreciate the unique talents we have in many others while they live. Some of the many possessing this unique touch of originality include Mlaka Maliro, Joseph Nkasa, Wambari Mkandawire, Mbenjere, Izeki ndi Jakobo”.
Artists mourn Mafunyeta
Several other artists who could not believe the sudden death of Mafunyeta who was regarded as one of the talented youths to have emerged from Lilongwe.
“It’s shocking news. I remember it was only three days ago he posted on his Facebook page about his sister’s death: now the family has been hit by another blow. Seriously, it’s traumatizing for the family of Mr. and Mrs. Magalasi. We will surely miss him, as an artist and a person,” said Nyasa Guruz lead member, Jones Papa Kwangwani.
Another artist, Piksy said “I could not believe the news when I heard first. Am devastated by his sudden death; the music industry has just lost one of the talented artist who was humble and maintained a positive image throughout despite the pressure of fame. We will greatly miss him”.
Background
Mafunyeta sprang onto the scene three years ago with his rare brand of dancehall that quickly captured listeners and ushered him at the top of the music charts.
He started his career using desks and tins as instruments and was influenced by Evison Matafale and Rich Spice. He eventually rose to stardom by winning talent competitions. And made it big in 2009 when he released Ndimakondwa which catapulted him into fame and eventually becoming one of the household names.
Some of Mafunyeta’s known tracks include My Queen and Udikire, Kangobwera and Ndimakondwa. He died while working on his third album Ruling, which was set to be out before the year end.
Mafunyeta, who was the leader of Lilongwe based dancehall group, Mabilinganya Empire was known for his free style on stage that had helped him to build up a large following.
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