President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has expressed shock over the death of well-known comedian John Nyanga, popularly known by stage name Izeki.

Nyanga died in the afternoon of Sunday at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in the commercial capital Blantyre after a long illness.

Writing on his official Facebook page, Mutharika said the country has lost a useful man in the society.

“Besides being an entertainer, Izeki played a huge role to the society as an educator and agent of social change for over three decades.

“Gertrude and I join all Malawians in celebrating the life of a man who contributed so much to the country,” wrote Mutharika.

On his part, Veteran musician cum-politician Lucius Banda said Nyanga’s death is big blow to arts and theater in Malawi.

“Rest well (mbuyache) John nyanga. You have fought a good fight you have kept the promise, thank you for preparing yourself on this journey… ulendo oyenda ndi ntima yesu ndiye njira.. go thee well, long time colleague in arts. Hambani kahle,” said Banda.

Nyanga will be laid to rest on Tuesday at HHI cemetery in Blantyre.