MALAWI: Catholic Musician in Malawi Gets Catholic Media Support
Sam Kalimba
One of the longest and most revered music icon in Catholic Music has earned health support from two Catholic media houses based in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Paul Banda who answers to an honourary title of Sir due to his contribution in music industry in the country and in the Church has been on dialysis treatment for years and his resources can no longer sustain his life.
On Tuesday, March 7, the sole Catholic Television in Malawi, Luntha TV premiered a documentary covering the legend’s beginnings and his current situation. In the documentary the television management is observed calling for support for the Catholic music icon Sir Paul Banda.
Similarly, Radio Alinafe of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe aired a special program on Wednesday, 8 March at night featuring the legend.
Fr. David Niwagaba the Director of Luntha TV said that he was happy to premier the documentary as part of the Television’s contribution towards the health of Sir Banda.
“When Boniface Kawinga (Documentary Director) shared with me that he was traveling with Fr. Louis Chikanya (Director of Radio Alinafe) to visit Sir Paul Banda, I immediately granted airtime for the documentary on Luntha TV. It was not an issue of choice because we know how much Paul contributed in evangelizing the people of God through music. He also has helped many youths to discern their vocations through his music,” said Fr. Niwagaba.
Mr. Kawinga echoed that as a Catholic Journalist who grew up listening to Paul Banda’s music it was reasonable assist the musician and create awareness on the situation of the legend.
Fr. Chikanya drove over 300 kilometers from Lilongwe to meet Sir Banda at his base near St. Montfort Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Mangochi.
“It is a coincidence that we have carried out this trip to hear from Sir Paul Banda in his current situation during Lenten season but we had wanted to do this immediately we got the news that he was not feeling well. However, it is good that we have made it at this time when we have heard that the resources he got from people of good will, need replenishment,” The Catholic priest said.
He continued, “Our main role is to bring more people of good will together and help our fellow soldier of Christ. He did his part and now we should all come together in spirit and kind. So, the airing of the program is one way of sensitizing the listenership about the problem. After that we will be talking to the See of the Archdiocese to allow us carry out an activity that we will announce once approvals are done. Currently, we invite every well wisher to direct their support to Sir Paul Banda for we can not wait for other procedures while he needs help now,” said Fr. Chikanya.
Sir Paul Banda composed the welcoming song of the 1989 Pope St. John Paul II’s visit to Malawi apart from performing on most of Catholic solemn national functions including episcopal consecrations and priestly ordinations of many bishops and priests. He was being backed by Alleluia Band of the St. Montfort Parish of Mangochi. He was the founder of the Band and its first band leader. He retired from the band a decade years ago but remains a pillar for the band.
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