Well-known social media influencer Stanly Onjezani Kenani has launched a fundraising aimed at sourcing funds to support veteran musician Paul Banda who is suffering from a kidney failure.

Kenani has moved in following the death of Paul Banda’s brother Lucius Banda who was the sole pillar to the legendary musician.

The social media influencer has since managed to raise Mk2 million within 12 hours of the launch of the campaign

“We wake up just after crossing K2 million, 12 hours after launching the appeal. Deeply grateful to all who have donated, but more is needed,” wrote Kenani.

Here is the appeal:__

What death does, it pounces like a leopard in the dark, and the only person you used to count on ends up being the first to descend to eternal rest. This is exactly what has happened in the life of veteran musician, Paul Banda. Last week, we buried his younger brother, Lucius, the singular pillar of his support. He himself is unwell, smitten – it turns out – by the same illness that felled his brother, kidney problems. To survive, he relies on a dialysis machine, found only at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Twice a week he must find himself there, and these trips, plus the general care of his condition, need money.

We need to honour our legends while they live. Paul Banda’s impact on Malawi’s music is nothing short of phenomenal. He literally trailblazed the entire explosion of talent from Balaka township, from the late 1970s when he formed Alleluya Banda, to the late 90s when he produced many bestselling albums to emanate from Balaka. His soothing voice used to reach us through MBC in the late 80s and early 90s, when he released albums that swept the country by storm. It is not for nothing we fondly call him “Sir” Paul Banda.

Now we cannot stand by and watch as he faces the future without his pillar of support. Let’s do something. I am donating K110,000 to him, but please join me, if you can. My National Bank of Malawi account is 1855988, in the name Stanley Kenani (SWIFT code NBMAMWMW for those outside Malawi). It has this K110,000 now, as per the screenshot below. But it could have more if you chime in whatever you can. Whatever we raise by Friday this week, we will pass on to Sir Paul Banda. You can also contribute through Airtel Money on +265999604048, or TNM Mpamba on +265882187044.

I spoke to Sir Paul Banda by phone this morning, and this appeal has his approval.

Let’s do this.

Your support would be much appreciated.