BULAWAYO artist Sam Banda, founder member of Imbube group Sunduza Boys popular in the 1980s, died yesterday morning after a short illness.
Report by Sheryleen Masuku Own correspondent
The Pumula-based group became one of the first local groups to embark on international tours.
Renowned poet and musician Albert Nyathi confirmed Banda’s death.
“I have lost one of my personal and closest friends,” he said.
“I spoke to him yesterday (Sunday) when they told me that he was complaining of stomach pains. He was a close friend of mine. We went to perform at a function together in Beitbridge recently and he seemed to be in good health.
“I was shocked when I received a call last night from Jeys Marabini saying Banda was not feeling well. He said his tummy was swelling and this came as a great shock to me.”
Banda’s nephew Zenzo Hlaseka described his uncle as a great artist who was sociable.
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“Sam was someone who was always joking and laughing with people,” he said.
“He was a comedian in a way. People used to call him ‘Dr Mahlaba’ because he was always joking.” Hlaseka said Banda’s death was sudden and they were yet to receive information about the exact cause of his death.
“It was a sudden death. We don’t have full information as yet,” he said.
An official from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, William Nyandoro, said Banda’s death was a great loss to the arts fraternity.
“I met Banda in the 1990s and we worked well with him as the National Arts Council on various projects,”he said.
Burial arrangements are yet to be announced.
