UMP crowns ‘Soldier’ as Lifetime Achiever
Organisers of the Urban Music People (UMP) awards have unveiled Lucius Banda as the recipient of the 2018 Lifetime Achievement accolade.
Banda, who has been performing for 32 years, joins others who have been decorated with the award because of their contribution to the development of Malawi music industry.
UMP cites the legend’s achievement of helping careers of a lot of the country’s big artists including Dan Lu, Mlaka Maliro, Nepman, Billy Kaunda.
“He is an epitome of music in Malawi. He is probably the biggest musical act Malawi has ever produced,” says UMP events coordinator, Mphatso Chibota.
Chibota said Banda was chosen after a comprehensive analysis by a panel of local music experts.
In a separate interview, Banda hailed the organisers for bestowing him the honour.
“Traditionally, we don’t get honoured when alive, so when you get recognised while still alive you just have to thank God,” he said.
Previous winners for the UMP Lifetime Achievement award include, Tapps Bandawe in 2017, Oscar Thomson in 2016, the late Mafunyeta and Criminal A in 2015, Vic Marley and Black Life Entertainment in 2013, Dynamike and the late Faith Chibale back in 2010.
Meanwhile, nominations for this year’s music awards will open soon.
This year’s categories have been expanded to 20 from 17 last year.
The awarding ceremony will be held on December 29 at Robin’s Park in Blantyre.
