Lucius Banda is a singer-songwriter and music producer from Malawi and is regarded as one of Africa’s greatest music legends for using his voice to raise awareness about Malawi.
Kwacha was his first solo album, which was released in 2003. It was a spectacular record that served to raise awareness of Malawi’s music.
He is one of the best artists in Malawi because of how talented he is and his influence on other musicians.
Early Life
Lucius Banda was born on 17 August 1970 in Sosola Village in Group Village headman Kapalamula and Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District of Southern Malawi.
His music legacy dates way back to 1983 when he was thirteen years old when he started singing with his brother Paul Banda and leader of Alleluya Band. He first appeared on stage in 1985 with his brother’s led Alleluya Band.
Music Career
To further his music career Lucius Banda decided to go to music school in South Africa.
His dream was fulfilled in 1993 when he joined Dorkey house in Johannesburg, where he spent one full year studying music.
He recorded his first album titled ‘Son of a Poor Man’ at shandel music studio with the help of producer George Arigone (an Argentinian) on backing vocals.
His album became popular because of hits like Mabala, Get up stand up, Linda, and Life On Earth. From there he launched his long career in music which takes him to date.
In 1997, Lucius Banda formed his own band, Zembani after recording his fourth album (Take Over) to help local and up-keeping musicians in Malawi.
Meanwhile, many artists in Malawi have been promoted through the auspices of his Zembani Music Band.
Music Band
Zembani Band has grown into one of the most celebrated music groups across Africa.
In Africa, his music is adored by millions. He is well-known for being the voice of the underprivileged and the voiceless. His song portrays the social, economic, and cultural challenges that regular Malawians confront.
He has also spoken out against the socioeconomic injustices and inequalities that African leaders and politicians have perpetuated.
He was the first Malawian musician to sing openly against political oppression in Malawi during the decades of one-party rule.
Lucius has been host to many popular musicians, helping to begin the careers of Mlaka Maliro, Paul Chaphuka, Billy Kaunda, Cosi Chiwalo, Wendy Harawa, Emma Masauko, and Charles Nsaku etc.
Political Ambition
In the 2014 Tripartite Elections, Lucius Banda reclaimed his Balaka Central Constituency as Member of Parliament in which he won with a wide margin of 16,303 votes against his competitor who came second with 8,147.
Lucius Banda has experienced the hardest of times as a musician as his music has either been banned censored and sometimes denied venues and segregated against by government. Despite all this, his music remained celebrated.
In 2010 he released another album, 15-15- my song, which was banned by the state broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
Tour to Germany
In June 2010, Banda and other musicians from Malawi were invited to play in Germany. Their venue in Cologne was the key point for an upcoming 2011 Lucius Banda Europe tour.
His travelling to Germany attracted a lot of public and political interest in Malawi. He released “Thank you” album in 2015. Currently, he has nineteen albums to his credit.