Veteran Musician Lucius Banda who is commonly known as Soja wa a mphawi (Soldier for the poor) is this year celebrating 33 years of being active in the music industry.

On Saturday, during a Chishango Music Festival in Blantyre soldier thanked people in the country for their continued support as well as keeping him in the music chart.

“I would like to thank Malawians for the love and support throughout all these years. They are the ones who have put me where I am today, I thought I should thank them because being in the music business for 33 years is not a mean achievement. Soldier said.

He added; “The support I receive is huge and, most importantly, I would like to thank God for the talent but also for keeping me alive and healthy.”

Soldier, who is set to release his 20th album this year titled Love and Hate, said in an exclusive interview that some musicians of his generation have found the industry tough, with the younger generation dominating the airwaves with urban music.

He, however, said things have not been all rosy as he has experienced lots of challenges.

He also said some of his songs have been banned on State broadcaster Malawi Broadcasting Corporation but people have continued to embrace his music and gigs.

But Soldier, who prides in releasing best-selling albums such as Cease Fire, said the 33 years he has been doing music have seen him being supported to the fullest by people as well as being kept in the charts.