From the old capital Zomba, in 2005, reverberated a new soothing melody by one Thomas Chibade - one that inspired hope and love amidst piercing pain.
Hundreds of people in Lilongwe on Saturday afternoon braved the scorching sun to pay their last respects to the music icon.
Area 18 Cemetery in Lilongwe was a thicket of emotions as the music giant was finally laid to rest following a day of disagreements over his burial place.
His body was interred into the grave at around 3:15pm amidst somber songs, weeping, mourning and downcast faces.
After 37 years of walking through the desert of life — a life he rebuked for its injustices and pain in his songs — he finally found his resting place, miles away from his district of birth.
The people of Lilongwe said they loved him so much just like his music they would not want his body sent to Zomba.
This cemetery is, in every sense, a great symbol for the domestic music industry. It is home to other fallen greats — Wambali Mkandawire, Mafunyeka, Martse and Tremour.
In his eulogy, local government minister Richard Chimwendo Banda described Chibade as a creative musician who transformed the lives of many through his music.
Fellow musician Skeffa Chimoto rated Chibade as an amazing artist who inspired him to join the music industry.
Just two years short of its 20th anniversary, his most popular melody has fallen silent. ‘Awa ndiye mau anga’ lyrics are now as irrelevant as the doubting Thomases.
Chibade hailed from Likaluma Village, T/A Chikowi in Zomba district. He is survived by a wife and five children.
