Throughout Lucius ‘Soldier’ Banda’s music career, one thing that stood out on his array of attributes, was his ability to compose instant tribute songs for fellow artists, politicians or any other worthwhile public figures.
The legendary artist had the knack of producing such tribute songs with unbelievable speed. In 2006, ‘Soldier’ released a tribute song for Alliance for Democracy founder and president Chakufwa Thom Chihana a day after his death.
He is also credited for paying homage to former Speaker of Parliament Rodwell Munyenyembe. Lucius also did some tributes collectively for figures such as founding president Kamuzu Banda, Princess Diana of UK and Catholic Bishop Alessandro Assolari.
However, over two years after his passing, one of his music protégés, Lulu, has stepped into the role of his mentor. The Lilongwe-based music ace has paid a tribute to his music father and friend in his song Soja.
In the song, Lulu has gone mellow, probably trying to align with the sombre theme and slanting of the composition. The guitar and voices are handled with strict discipline that captures one’s imagination with relative ease.
The message itself is a personal submission from someone who related with Lucius at close proximity. There is also an adaptation of one of Lucius’ song lines: “m’modzi modzi, tikumapita, ulendo osabwelera…” (people are dying one after the other).
Lulu has reflected on Banda’s life as a musician, politician, believer and a community member who touched other people’s lives through his charity interventions such as paying school fees for the needy.
The song goes in part: “Nyimboyi isanayambe ndikanakuyimbirani, poti ndizomwe ndinazolowera kufunsa nzeru. Soja ulendo wanu wayalutsa enafe. Ena amkatiyankha ma phone poti munalipo, kuvina inali ntchito poti munali moyo. Soja wa anthu, Soja wa a mphawi.”
Lulu, speaking in an interview, said it was hard for him to accept that Lucius was indeed gone such that every time he sat down to write a tribute song for him he could not continue. He said he decided to give himself time to heal before completing the task.
He said: “He played several roles in my life. He was a father, friend, mentor, my studio artist and someone I could joke with. This song brings a lot of memories as we travelled in the same car going for shows.
“Importantly, the song also reminds me of where I am coming from as a musician.”
The Kumalembe hit-maker said he would love people to remember ‘Soldier’ as someone who dedicated his life to fighting for the plight of ordinary people.
The song was recorded at Mathumela Studio by Lulu and Dj Megi. The artist said the song will be performed for the first time during the Lucius Banda Tribute Concert scheduled for August 22 at Balaka Stadium.
Apart from Lulu, other acts expected to feature during the concert are Piksy, Zembani Band, and Mlaka Maliro.
