Former President Dr. Joyce Banda has praised veteran musician late Lucius Banda despite him not wishing so as stated in his song titled ‘Mzimu wa Soldier’.

Writing on her official facebook page, Banda, founder of Peoples Party (PP) said she has been compelled to do saw following a speech by Jonny, son to the late music icon.

According to Banda, the fallen musician had the welfare of Malawians at heart.

Here is Banda’s tribute to Lucius Banda;

NTCHITO ZA MANJA A SOLDIER LUCIUS – KOMA CHISOMO

Yesterday, I sat at the funeral of Soldier Lucius Banda and marveled at what effect one human being can have on humanity.

I had resisted for a week to write about my connection to Lucius because I was trying to respect his wish of not wishing to be praised when he dies in his song MZIMU WA SOLDIER.

However, having listened to his son Jonny speak yesterday, I felt compelled to share the other side of his life that I was fortunate to know:-

In 2011, serving as Vice President, Lucius Banda called me to make an appointment. He said he wanted to bring a friend of his from Germany who he was working with. He came and introduced Daniel Dank to me. He told me he was sending him stuff such as clothing for children and hospital utensils to distribute to needy people and clinics in Malawi. We agreed that I would be interested to work with them. For me, my interest was specifically on hospital equipment. We agreed that I would raise the money for freight. We continued to bring stuff for underprivileged people. I would often look for those that would pay freight and bring the cargo to Malawi.

The friendship between Soldier and Daniel continued. I was surprised the other day to receive a photo of Soldier in hospital in South Africa with Daniel who had travelled to South Africa all the way from Germany to visit his friend in hospital. To me the meaning of true friendship. See photos attached.

I am sharing this story to demonstrate how far back Soldier has gone not only as a fighter for people’s rights but also to do something about their situation in this way.

His children’s speeches yesterday moved me to tears. You are right your father was a good man. I did not even know that in addition to all he did he also paid school fees to thousands of children for many years.

Eeeeish how can Malawi continue to lose our young champions like this?

We shall remember this gallant soldier who fought against injustice through songs, a philanthropist, a man who promoted culture and tradition, a husband, a good father and a man of God.

GO WELL SOLDIER. MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN EVERLASTING PEACE