Son in Lucius’ foot-steps
Patrons who flocked to the shores of Lake Malawi the previous weekend had a rare experience when renowned musician Soldier Lucius Banda shared the stage with his first-born son, Johnny, to perform a song.
“I don’t usually do this, but the song I am about to perform now really needs this,” said the veteran musician as he welcomed his son on stage.
Johnny helped his dad with gesture expressions while performing the track Johnny, a song Banda dedicated to the son.
He said he composed the song in appreciation of his son during the difficult period of his life when he was arrested some years back.
Banda said Johnny is not allowed to record, perform or be involved in serious musical activities until he graduates next year.
Speaking in an interview after his stage appearance, Johnny said he was optimistic of a breakthrough into the music industry later next year.
The 21-year-old son said he takes his father as his role model, and thanked him for the support towards his ambition of joining the music industry.
Johnny is currently in third year at Chancellor College, a constituent college of the University of Malawi (Unima).
Johnny said he does not have a specific style of music saying he would rather produce music that suit all generations.
Meanwhile, music critics, including former entertainment editor at Nation Publications Limited (NPL), Ephraim Nyondo, saluted the move, saying it is crucial for the son to be supported by the father.
“Most parents don’t support their children in such extra-curricular ambitions, thereby derailing their hype, hence becoming demotivate,” said Nyondo in an interview. n
