The 2024 is the year creative industry has suffered its greatest loss through deaths. The number was huge and the impact the losses have created is huge.
The industry suffered its first blow just 18 days into the year when musician Katelele Ching’oma breathed his last at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. The death of the 36-year-old nipped in the bud one of the promising careers of the past decade.
With three albums to his belt, Ching’oma had built a reputation for himself in the music circles courtesy of his traditional dance-inspired compositions.
His fans will fondly remember him for his songs such as Ndili Nayo Mwayi, Kuwoniwa, Akazanga and Honey.
The promising artist was buried at Masimo Village in Nsanje District.
Another death that impacted the local music industry is that of Jamaican family reggae group Morgan Heritage lead vocalist Peter ‘Peetah’ Morgan. Although not Malawian, the artist had managed to strike a considerable following in Malawi due to their two separate live performances they held in the country in 2015 and 2016.
His death shocked many Malawian artists, especially those from the reggae music fraternity. They shared their feelings through their social media handles.
The radio broadcasting field was not spared either. Chaipa Hiwa and Nyokase Madise left the world.
Hiwa died in South Africa at Steve Biko Hospital where he was receiving treatment since December 2023. He died aged 62 and is famed for her signature programme The Double Chai Show.
Madise is considered one of the pioneer broadcasters having joined MBC in the 1970’s. The revered broadcaster died on February 29.
Canadian-born priest, Father Claude Boucher of Dedza Diocese, also walked his last mile. He was known for promoting Yao, Chewa and Ngoni cultures under his Kungoni Centre of Culture and Arts at the Mua Mission of the Catholic Church in Dedza.
The missionary founded the centre in 1976 which is known for holding exhibitions and curating works in the Chamare Museum at the mission. Father Boucher was granted his wish and was buried at Mua in Dedza.
The 2024 also marked the last journey for one-time popular television host Geoffrey Kapusa alias Mr. Splash.
Kapusa was one of the pioneer broadcasters who made their name after the opening of Malawi’s first-ever television station, Television Malawi. Deploying an easy-going presentation style, he quickly became a household name courtesy of his bi-weekly music programme, Music Splash.
Born in 1971, Kapusa was buried in his home district in Zomba.
The local film industry had a punch of its own to contain with. Talented actor Hope Chisanu passed away on June 1 in the United States of America where he had relocated.
His death curtailed an illustrious acting career which saw him star in lead roles for productions such The Last Fishing Boat, The Road To Sunrise, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, All We Have is Us and Hill Brow.
Chisanu was mourned by both film followers and his peers who described him as a rare talent.
Perhaps the biggest hammer was saved for the last. The man who had for over three decades appeared to be the face of Malawian music ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda died in a South African hospital after a long battle with a kidney problem.
Soldier’s career had borne 20 studio albums, the last one Love and Hate which came out in 2022. His death brought to an end an intense political activism through song compositions since he dropped his first album Son of a Poor Man in 1993.
If there is one artist that can be credited with touching on each and every theme, then Lucius can easily pass the test. His Zembani Music Company and Zembani Band also gave birth to careers of numerous artists who eventually established themselves.
The eruptive mood at a send-off at Balaka Stadium on a scorching hot afternoon eventually gave way to a somber parting and teary faces as his body was lowered at Sosola Village in his home district of Balaka.
This year took so much from us, but our memories will forever celebrate the gifts and talents that our beloved artists left behind.
May their souls continue resting in peace!
