Painful irony that has struck the entertainment fraternity is the tragic death of Elias Chimbalu, who played Samalani in the comedy franchise of Chindime ndi Samalani.
Chimbalu died from heart complications at around 3pm on Tuesday at Kamuzu Central Hospital where he had been admitted a week before. Before his admission, Chimbalu had just successfully completed tuberculosis treatment.
Speaking to The Nation, his close friend and collaborator Boston Mkhosi, who played Chindime in the Samalani ndi Chindime skits, said he is very saddened by the death of Chimbalu describing his talent as irreplaceable.
“He was an actor who displayed discipline such that organisations we were working with had confidence with us. They could call us on short notice and we could always give them the best performance,” said Mkhosi.
He added that the loss is a setback on his career as he has worked with Chimbalu for more than 20 years such that they developed mutual understanding.
Comedian Mafumu Matiki said the demise of Chimbalu is a big blow to the theatre circles as there are already a few comedians in the country.
“There are not many comedians with that great talent. He has left a gap that
will never be replaced. May his soul rest in peace,” said Matiki.
Chimbalu, who has been acting in the Chindime and Samalani duo for more than 20 years, was born in 1974 and hailed from Malenga Village in T/A Malenga area in Ntchisi. He is survived by a wife and five children.
The body of Chimbalu will be laid to rest today at Kabwabwa Cemetery in Area 25 in Lilongwe.
