Yesterday marked one year since legendary musician ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda breathed his last at a South African hospital after a battle with kidney complications.
From his debut album Son of a poor man to his final Love and Hate during a career spanning three decades and 20 albums to his credit, ‘Soldier’ tackled a myriad themes such as love, politics, spirituality, political activism and social life. When his music is played, it sounds lively and engaging as if he is still around.
Under his Zembani Music Company, he mentored and gave birth to many musicians such as Mlaka Maliro, Lulu, Billy Kaunda, Wendy Harawa, Emma Masauko and Victor Paul.
Another company that he founded, Impakt Events, runs one of the most impactful entertainment events in the country, the Sand Music Festival. Over the years, the event has been graced by numerous artists both local and international.
In an interview yesterday, his son Jonny Zembani Banda said Soldier remains the heart of the mission that Zembani Band is carrying.
“Without him, we would not have Zembani Band or heard of the many artists that he mentored and inspired. We would not have the Sand Music Festival or Sand Arts Festival if it were not for him,” he said.
The young Banda admitted that since the departure of his father, it has not been an easy for the group.
“It has not been easy, but God has been our helper. People have held our hands during moments that we have been weary and the members of the band have really shown the definition of loyalty,” he said.
Through a Facebook post shared on Nation Online yesterday, most fans picked out Nthawi as his greatest song ever.
One fan Ruth B Kumwenda said of the song: “In life, we go through a lot of things. When things get tough, you need people to help you. But when God blesses you, that is when you see people flocking to you.”
Seasoned music promoter Jai Banda said Lucius’ absence is a huge loss not only to the music industry, but the country considering the influence he retained.
“I remember him as an innovative artist who lived with the times and remained relevant during his long music career. His passion for live performances was unparalleled. He was a man who loved his fellow artists and he rendered help to up-and-coming artists. Here is a man who used his talent for the good of his country,” he said.
Musician Lulu said: “He had something that you cannot find on YouTube. Some things can only be taught by people who have gone through it. He was that person.”
Lucius started his music career with Alleluyah Band before he formed his own Zembani Band.
He also participated in politics and once served as a member of Parliament in Balaka North.
Until his death, he was an active member of UTM Party and served as an adviser to President Lazarus Chakwera.
