By Sam Banda & Blessings Makuwira: Alleluya Band takes to the stage at Andiamo Ground in Balaka on Friday to remember Soldier Lucius Banda . Lucius, who would have turned 54 years old on August 11, died in South Africa on June 30 2024 after a battle with kidney problems. Band leader Paul Subili said Soldier was one of the founders of the group.
Alleluya Band was not present during Lucius’ burial ceremony as they left the country in May this year for their annual tour of Italy, where they held over 50 shows. “We would have loved to be there during the burial ceremony but failed and we, as a group, felt it wise to hold a concert to remember him as one of the founders of Alleluya Band,” Subili said on Thursday. Alleluya Band returned home on Monday and later visited the Banda family to console as well as inform them about the memorial show.
“Soldier was the father of music in the country; Alleluya Band is here today because of him and his brother Sir Paul and, so, we just decided to hold a memorial show soon after our comeback,” Subili said. Apart from celebrating the life of Lucius, the free-of-charge memorial concert will see Alleluya Band celebrating the 40th anniversary of Andiamo and 30th anniversary of St Monica School. Some of the acts set to perform at the concert include Alleluya Band, Zembani Band, Enot Spear Mbandambanda, Vincent Kachingwe, Up Band, Mighty Ivory and Charles Sinetre.
Lucius was one of the successful musicians in the country and, in his music escapades, which spanned over 30 years, he released 20 albums..
