On July 6th, Malawians will mark 62 years of independence. As we celebrate this milestone, it is vital to honour Michael-Frederick Paul Sauka, the forgotten hero who composed our National Anthem. His prophetic words unite our nation, yet he remains unrecognised in our history.
Every day, thousands of Malawians sing the Malawi National Anthem in learning institutions, government functions, and national sporting events. Yet, very few know the brilliant man who composed those powerful words.
The life of Michael Sauka
Michael-Frederick Paul Sauka was only 29 years old when his composition won the national competition ahead of Malawi’s independence in 1964.
lBirth: Born in Chiradzulu District in 1934.
lEducation: Studied at Nankhunda Seminary in Zomba before studying music in London.
lCareer: Later worked for the Malawi Posts Corporation and the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation.
Despite giving Malawi one of its greatest national symbols, he died in poverty in 1990 and was largely forgotten.
A nation’s neglect
How painful it is that our leaders come and go, yet Michael Sauka’s name is rarely mentioned. While infrastructure and roads are continually named after politicians, there is no major national monument bearing the name of the man whose composition unites every single Malawian every day.
What should hurt us more is the state of his resting place. For years after he was buried at the Limbe Cathedral in Blantyre, his grave remained without a proper tombstone. Our nation continued to sing the anthem he gave us, while his family struggled and his legacy was neglected.
As we celebrate our independence this week, it is time we reflect on these omissions. We must remember and honor the man who gifted us our national song.
It was only in 2011 that Ralph Kasambala (may his soul rest in peace) and myself constructed a tombstone in his honour. Today, that tombstone proudly carries the Chichewa version of the National Anthem, reminding us that beneath it rests the man who gave Malawi one of its greatest national treasures.
And as I reflect on the words of the National Anthem, I am amazed at how relevant they remain today. His famous prayer, asking God to “put down each and every enemy, hunger, disease and envy”, continues to speak directly to the Malawi of today. Hunger still affects many Malawians.
Disease continues to challenge our health system. Jealousy, hatred, intolerance and tribalism still slow our national progress. In many ways, Michael Sauka was more than a composer; he was a visionary Malawian whose words continue to guide our nation.
For sure if I had the opportunity to honour him, I would proudly rename one of our major national landmarks after him. Imagine arriving at Michael Sauka International Airport, or conducting national business at the Michael Sauka Parliament Building. Such recognition would not erase our history; it would enrich it by reminding future generations that great nations honour those who shape their identity.
To Michael Sauka, thank you for giving Malawi words that continue to unite us every day. Your composition has become part of our national identity. Even if you are not honoured, your legacy lives on every time Malawians stand together to sing the National Anthem. I pray the future generation should honour you.
And to the late Ralph Kasambala, thank you that we joined hands to restore dignity to the resting place of this forgotten hero when the nation failed to do so.
May the souls of Michael Sauka and Ralph Kasambala continue to rest in eternal peace.
As Malawi celebrates 6th July, may we also remember that a nation becomes truly great not only by celebrating its independence, but by honouring those who made that independence meaningful.
