Paul, Lucius Banda mourn father’s death
Two of Malawi’s successful and most talented musicians of all time, Paul and Lucius Banda are mourning the death of their father, Nyasa Times has leant with sorrow.
The father to the two Malawian music maestros, Mr. Chidampamba Banda died at a hospital after succumbing to a battle against cancer.
Lucius Banda announced on his Facebook page that his father died in the wee hours Monday and since then messages of condolences have been over-flooding his Facebook page to console the Malawian music great.
“Exactly at o2:15 hours this morning my father has died,” posted the Balaka based revered songster on the social network site.
Mr. Chidampamba whose wife Maria died 17 years ago has a left a legacy and a record as a father to Malawi’s celebrated musicians with the two brothers, Paul and Lucius Banda as the only musicians with many albums like no any other in Malawi.
Lucius Banda popularly known as ‘Soldier’ in his music game has 16 albums under his name and the 17th album is on the cards and due to be released next month while his elder brother and his mentor, ‘Sir’ Paul Banda, a revered music connoisseur who is referred to as ‘Achikulire’ in the music circles because of his great music aptitude has 15 albums to under his belt.
Both the two brothers have helped so many musicians in Malawi throughout their respective careers.
Paul is a pioneer and founding architect of the great Alleluya band while on the other hand Lucius Banda through his Zembani Music company has assisted hordes of music talent some of them big names in the industry among others include Billy kaunda, Mlaka Maliro, Charles Nsaku, Wendy Harawa and Dan Lufani.
Lucius Banda’s friend Alexander Mkandawire said the country must celebrate the life of Mr. Chidampamba for giving the country such great music talents who have close to 40 solo music albums between them.
“Mr. Chidampamba has given the country’s music industry two great musicians who have selflessly been helping others in their music exploits and careers. This can only means one thing, that the late Lucius and Paul Banda’s taught his children while they were young to share whatever they have with others. His legacy will live forever through his sons’ music.”
Among those sending messages of condolence to the country’s music stalwart is Zembani Band’s band leader, Sam Simakweli said: “I really convey my sincere sympathy on your loss, he was our father too…and we shall miss him for real, may his soul rest in peace,”
Another message of condolence was posted by Mzuzu based football administrator Julius Mithi of the ‘Ntchito iyo’ slogan, who advised the lyrist and composer to stay strong in this trying time.
“My personal and family condolences to you and your family on the untimely death of our pillar. May His Soul Rest in Peace! Be courageous to overcome such a situation,” Mithi said.
And South African based Sau Nankumwa posted: “May your Father’s soul Rest in heavenly Peace My deeply condolences to you and the family.”
Diane Dodia Chongo consoled: “My condolences Lucius, it’s so painful to lose loved ones but we just have to thank God for the life before the lords call. I have leant and known u to be a strong man, so should u be this moment as we mourn our father. May God guide you through in Jesus name.”
Mr. Chidampamba, who once served in the army before retiring is expected to buried at Sosola village in Traditional Authority Msamala on Wednesday.
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