By Maston Kaiya

Ntcheu, July 11, Mana: Maseko Ngoni Paramount Chief INkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V has cancelled 2024 Umhlangano annual cultural event which was slated for September 5-7, 2024 saying this is one way of honouring late Impi, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and Musician late Lucius Banda.

Gomani V announced this during a Press briefing on Wednesday at his Lizulu headquarters in Ntcheu district.

He described the death of Impi Chilima who was State Vice President and Banda who was one of the country's greatest musician as a huge blow to the Maseko Ngoni' and the nation at large.

"Impi Biyeni Chilima was very patriotic and highly committed to Ngoni culture. He was actively participating in all Ngoni cultural and traditional functions," Gomani said adding the sudden departure of Impi Chilima has left a big gap which is difficult to be filled in the Maseko Ngoni culture.

In the midst of mourning Impi Biyeni Chilima, the Maseko Ngonis lost the vital pillar and a music icon Soldier, Lucius Banda who greatly contributed to Ngoni culture through his cultural Music.

"The death of Soldier, Lucius Banda is a sad news to Maseko Ngoni as he greatly assisted in promoting culture through his instrumentals, and was a profound pillar to the Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust," he said.

"Given these sad developments, I have declared three-month mourning period among Maseko Ngoni's hence cancelling this year's Umhlangano annual festival," Gomani V said.

Impi late Chilima died in a plane crash in Chikangawa forest on June 10, 2024 while Soldier, Lucius Banda died on June 30, 2024 in South Africa due to kidney failure.