President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has expressed shock over the death of veteran musician’Soldier’ Lucius Banda.

Banda, an advisor to President Chakwera on youths and art died yesterday at Sunninghill Hospital in South Africa.

In a statement released by Chakwera and first lady Monica Chakwera, the couple said they will remember Banda for his political activism through music.

“His political activism through music that captured our hopes and dreams, especially during the fight for democracy, has profoundly shaped our nation, giving voice to the voiceless and challenging injustices,” reads the statement in part.

Banda died at the age of 53.

His body is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday.