A dark crowd has engulfed the media fraternity in the country following the passing on of veteran Dj John Mota, popularly known as Atom Dj.

Mota died of high blood pressure at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre today, according to his brother Grevazio.

The death of Mota has shocked many journalists in the country and some have took to social media to express their sadness.

Writing on his official facebook page Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) broadcaster Hope Chisanu said: “Gone too soon…. “Mkwaka” John Mota… Why.. but why… Farethee well bro… U were such a true friend… Will miss u .”

Concurring with Chisanu’s remarks MIJ FM radio personality Deus Sandram said: “Munthawi yathu tinalipo anyamata anthanga imodzi. Anyamata oyika ma lekodi achiMalawi pa wailesi. Tinkagwilira ntchito limodzi. Limodzi tinakunkha luso laoyimba achichepere ndikuwayika poyera. Ku Capital FM nthawi imeneyo kunali malemu Kennedy Mkombezi, (Namandwa)..Ku MIJ kunali Mzungudala…ku MBC kunali mwanji wa a James Gumbwa, Flatenal ndi ena ambiri osaiwala malemu Twaliki Wisiki (Adha Mhone). Ku 101 kunali Malemu Shawishe komanso mkulu wina ochenjera kwambiri. Atom the DJ. John John Atom Mota .

“Lero lino ndikamakhala kulingalira, amzanga ochuluka tsopano akusintha mayina. Mayina awo akumayamba ndi Malemu, I surely can’t help but shed a tear.

“Today as I say good bye to my hommie, Atom the DJ..mwana wam’mudzi mwathu, I still can’t believe what has been befallen the Arts Industry of late.

“Balaka is crying, Sosola Village is mourning. Rest well Atom!”
On his part , former State House Press Officer Gerald Viola wrote: “I knew this brother around 2003. He was bright and could take criticism once you approached him as a professional.

“Today we have radio personalities who believe “we are there”, presenters who are busy murdering Chichewa and English during presentations. Presenters who don’t like to be trained.”

He added: “Atom the DJ was a rare breed. He knew what he wanted to be professionally. A good presenter. Atom has left a mark in the broadcast industry and his demise has put us lecturers, teachers and trainers in an awkward position. I used to make him an example in class.

“Go thee well Atom! We shall join you in that glory when God calls us to do so. I am heartbroken John Mota. MYSRIP.”

Aubrey Kusakala wrote: “Rest well my brother and friend Atom the DJ.. John Mota… Till we meet again..

“Atom watisiya lero ku Queens.. According to his brother Grevazio Mota, John has succumbed to High Blood Pressure.”

Meanwhile funeral details are still sketchy..