Lucius Banda

Lucius Banda (born 17 August 1970) is a Malawian musician and politician. He is an MP for the district of Balaka North.

Lucius Banda, a well known music icon in Malawi, was born on 17 August 1970 in Sosola Village in Group Village headman Kapalamula and Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District of Southern Malawi. His music legacy dates way back in 1983 when he was thirteen years old when he started singing with his brother Paul Banda and leader of Alleluya Band.He first appeared on stage in 1985 with his brother's led Alleluya Band.

Lucius Banda started his music career while in elementary school (Primary)at Mponda Full Primary School which lies near the catholic parish in Balaka. To further his music career Lucius Banda decided to go to music school in South Africa. This dream was fulfilled in 1993 when he joined Dorkey house in Johannesburg, where he spent one full year studying music.

He recorded his first album titled 'Son Of A Poor Man' at shandel music studio with the help of producer George Arigone (an Argentinian) on backing vocals. He had Nomhlanlha nkhize and the now famous gospel singer Debora Freser. His album became popular because of hits like Mabala, Get up stand up, Linda and Life On Earth. From there he launched his long career of music which takes him to date.

In 1997, Lucius Banda formed his own band, Zembani after recording his fourth album (Take Over) with the intention to help local and up keeping musicians in Malawi. Meanwhile many artists in Malawi have been promoted through the auspices of his Zembani Music Band. Zembani Band has grown into one of the most celebrated music groups across Africa. His music is loved by millions in Africa. He is well known as the voice of the poor and those who can not be heard. His music depicts the social, economic and cultural constraints faced by ordinary Malawians. He has also been a voice against social injustices and inequalities prevalent among African leaders and politicians. He was controversial to Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda's regime. He was the first Malawian musician to sing openly against political oppression in Malawi during the decades of one-party rule.

Lucius has been host to many popular musicians, helping to begin the careers of Mlaka Maliro, Paul Chaphuka, Billy Kaunda, Cosi Chiwalo, Wendy Harawa, Emma Masauko, Enort Mbandambanda and Charles Nsaku. In the year 2010 he fell out of favor with the DPP led Government of the late Bingu Wa Mutharika (former President of Malawi). Malawians look to him as a mouth piece on political oppression. Meanwhile in the 2014 Tripartite Elections, Lucius Banda reclaimed his Balaka Central Constituency as Member of Parliament in which he won with a wide margin of 16,303 votes against his competitor who came second with 8,147.

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