Two years after his death, musician-cum-politician ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda was back on stage—not in person, but through the voices of thousands who sang his songs during his memorial show at Balaka Stadium.
Many artists opened their performances with Lucius’ songs before moving into their own compositions, turning his memorial into a celebration of the music he left behind.
The stadium in his home town was filled to capacity as musicians, family members and fans gathered for the first memorial show dedicated to Lucius’ since his death at a South African hospital on June 30 2024.
The Black Missionaries alongside Anthony Makondetsa were among the performers who paid tribute to the fallen musician, while Lucius’ son Johnny, popularly known as Mr Zembani, Janta, Lulu, Kelly Kay, Evans Meleka, Piksy and Annie Matumbi also took turns on stage.
The performances repeatedly drew the crowd into familiar choruses, demonstrating how deeply Banda’s music remains rooted in Malawi’s musical culture.
Cholapitsa hit-maker Phyzix also brought the crowd to life with an energetic performance.
Janta described Banda as more than a musician, saying he was a teacher whose influence helped shape the careers of many artists.
“’Soldier’ was a man who taught so many artists in the country,” he said.
Speaking in an interview, Johnny thanked the fans for turning up in large numbers to celebrate his father’s life and music.
The event also saw the introduction of a foundation established in Lucius’ name, with organisers saying it will help carry forward his legacy beyond music.
