Members of the Catholic Men Association (CMA) in Malawi have donated K1 million to music legend Sir Paul Banda who has been battling with prolonged illness.
CMA secretary general Lance Mwayi Mbewe said the members felt compelled to act after learning of the music icon’s condition in the media.
He said they mobilised the funds through CMA national WhatsApp forum as part of the association’s mission to serve with compassion and Christian responsibility.
“Our bishops always remind us about the Church’s social teaching and emphasise charity as a vital part of our mission as Catholic men,” said Mbewe after presenting the funds at Banda’s residence in Chileka, Blantyre.
He urged all Malawian men to embrace solidarity and encouraged generosity towards Banda’s sustained help until he regains strength and returns to musical stage.
On his part, Banda expressed gratitude, saying: “I often wonder what I did to God to deserve such kindness.”
He recounted the difficult path of his escalating health complications and the eventual discovery of kidney problems that now require life-sustaining dialysis twice weekly to keep his health stable.
Banda also thanked the CMA national leadership for the timely support stressing the contribution will help him in terms of transport and securing supplements.
The renowned musician also described the support as a powerful reminder that his contribution to the country’s music and culture has not been forgotten.
“Let me also urge other church groups to extend compassion to other suffering Malawians. Several people are dying because they can’t access treatment and lifesaving care,” said Banda, elder brother and mentor to another music icon the late Lucius.
Human rights commentator Undule Mwakasungula observed Banda’s suffering highlights Malawi’s moral duty to honour artists whose contributions shaped the nation’s identity beyond political boundaries and deserve national support.
He urged government to consider medical assistance and, if necessary, specialised treatment abroad as an acknowledgment of his lifelong service to Malawi’s entertainment and cultural landscape.
Further, Mwakasungula called for the revamping of the National Artists’ Welfare Fund (NAWF) to ensure artists access social protection mechanisms that prevent suffering and safeguard well-being during illness or old age.
Banda founded the iconic Alleluya Band in 1977 and through it he nurtured generations of musicians that have helped shape the country’s musical identity.
