The death of five members of musician Eli Njuchi’s backing group, The Hive Band, has sadly subdued the outlook of the entertainment mood of the 2025 festive season.
The five died in a road accident on Friday at Chitale between Senzani along the Chingeni-Zalewa section of the M1 in Ntcheu District on their way to Lilongwe where they were expected to perform at the Hive Experience the next day at Bingu International Convention Centre.
Months of rehearsals in preparation for what would have been one of their crowning musical moments on the stage were crashed when the Nissan Tiida they were travelling in collided head on with a Ford Ranger Pickup driven by 42-year-old Zimbabwean Ezekiel Mathabili.
The fatal accident claimed the lives of 37-year-old female vocalist Elivacy Matamando Myaba, who came from Yobe Gama Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chindi in Mzimba, Wilfred Kapengule Jnr, 36, from William Village, T/A Malemia in Zomba, Vincent Mkwinda, 28, from Michesi Village, T/A Mponda in Mangochi, MaFarlen Banda, 33, from Chilobwe, T/A Kapeni in Blantyre and Raphael Chitsonga, 33, from Zalengera Village, T/A Kwataine in Ntcheu.
Elivacy was a lead vocalist for Mingoli Band, a resident outfit for one of Blantyre City’s leading entertainment joints Scallas’ Café. She led an ensemble which comprised other seasoned members such as guitarist Collen Ali Matola and until recently the late Godfrey Mbidzi.
She also had stints with Mibawa Band and Mizu Band. She was providing backing vocals for Eli Njuchi and was working at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre as client service supervisor. She was laid to rest at HHI Cemetery in Blantyre yesterday.
His uncle, seasoned artist Mahara Mhango, described Elivacy as one of the most down-to-earth, loving and joyful people.
“She was always smiling, always kind and deeply passionate about music, a passion we closely shared. Her light and music will never be forgotten,” he said.
Kapengule was also a full-time member of Mingoli Band alongside Elivacy. He was playing keyboards. He was buried at the HHI Cemetery in Blantyre on Saturday.
On the other hand, Chitsonga was a professional sound engineer and he was working with Classik Events Management as a manager. He played drums as a session artist in the band. Chitsonga was laid to rest at HHI Cemetery yesterday.
Classik Events director Edson Kawalala said: “He was so dedicated. He loved what he was doing, not for money, but the passion he had. He always carried a smile on his face. I am at a loss of words.”
Mkwinda was the road manager for the group and he worked with Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust and he laid to rest in Mangochi on Saturday.
Banda was a lead guitarist and he was a member of Mizu Band but also performed with Mingoli Band. The resident of Chilobwe in Blantyre also used to perform at the Word of Faith Temple Church and Baptist Church in Blantyre apart from working with numerous artists on the local scene as a studio artist.
The death of the five artists has slit through the flesh of multiple sectors. Fellow artists have united in grief, offering support of varied degree. Lulu postponed his show at 247 Club near Kameza Roundabout on Saturday in respect of his artistic peers.
Musician Namadingo pledged K1 million towards funeral expenses. Other artists such as Gwamba and Piksy also offered their condolences.
In a statement, President Peter Mutharika and First Lady Gertrude Mutharika said they were heartbroken to learn about the passing of the five artists.
The President said as a gesture of national mourning, government will shoulder all funeral expenses to ensure that the departed artists are laid to rest with the dignity they deserve.
In its statement, the management of Scallas’ Cafe said they were deeply saddened by the loss of their two band members and the talented musicians.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and their loved ones during this difficult time. My their legacy live on through their music and the memories they have left us with,” read the statement. m
The Malawi Writers Union said the departed artists were more than artists as they were creative forces that helped shape Malawi’s cultural heartbeat.
“Their loss is a heavy loss to the arts, their families and to our nation. We stand in solidarity with all who grieve and honour government’s support in ensuring their dignified farewell,” reads their statement signed by president Shadreck Chikoti.
The Nico Group, through its creative sector strategic partner Copyright Fund, provided K1 million to each of the families to help with funeral arrangements.
In its statement, Nico Group said they share the nation’s grief and consoles the families affected in light of the tragic loss.
