Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa who is also Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for South Kondwani Nankhumwa has asked lawmakers to join hands in raising funds for Veteran musician Paul Banda.

‘Malilime’ hit-maker has been ill for sometime now and need special medical treatment abroad.

According to inside sources, the artist need to travel to India for medical attention and the budget for the whole trip is pegged at Mk30 million.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday when responding to State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera last week Wednesday, Nankhumwa said asked all MPs to contribute something toward the trip.

“On a very special note, let me inform this August House that our own music legend, Sir Paul Banda, has been unwell for some time. Sir Paul Banda has, for decades, played a very significant role in the political, and social and economic development of this through music.

“Through Alleluyah Band, Sir Paul Banda has inspired many people; trained and mentored many musicians, including his young brother ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda, Billy Kaunda, Charles Msaku, Mlaka Maliro, among others. We continue to listen to and enjoy his great compilations such as ‘Mtendere’, ‘Nthawi Zina Timalephera’, and Malilime, among others,” said Nankhumwa.

He added: “I, therefore, would like to request fellow Members of this August House to contribute funds towards Sir Paul Banda’s medical treatment abroad.”

Responding to Nankhumwa’s request Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Usi said government is already doing something on the matter.

Meanwhile it is not known as to when Banda will leave the country for medical attention.