The body of musician Thomas Chibade aka ‘Che Nkhumba’ will be laid to rest today at Area 18 Cemetery in Lilongwe.
Initially, the deceased’s family wanted his body to be buried at his home in Zomba, but Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) argued that he should be laid in Lilongwe, where he lived as a musician.
In an interview, the MUM funeral committee chairperson Anthony Dumba, who is also a member of Marching Soldiers Band, said the musicians’ stand was that their colleague should be buried at his base, but the final decision lay with the family.
“Chibade was one of us, and he stayed with us here in Lilongwe. So we felt it necessary that he should be laid to rest here. However, we allowed the family and chiefs to decide and tell us their position, which we were ready to accept,” he said.
In a separate interview, the late Chibade’s uncle Richard Makala said they considered the musicians’ position and have decided to have Chibade’s remains buried in Lilongwe.
“He was our pillar in the family. Many of us run to him for help and we would so much wish to have him buried home in Zomba, but considering the request of his fellow musicians, we have agreed to bury him in Lilongwe,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chibade has been mourned by family and friends as a young musician whose talent will be missed.
“He was a unique musician whose songs contained teachings, pieces of advice and warnings. We will miss his talent and contributions to the music industry,” said Dumba.
MUM president Vita Chirwa also described Chibade as a rare talent, whom he wished had lived long to pass on his talent to up-and-coming musicians.
Chibade released his first album Zatukusira in 2005. Thereafter, a number of singles followed which made him a darling to many music fans.
He died on Wednesday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe after a long illness. He was living in at Mgona Township in Lilongwe.
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