LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Eli Njuchi will not be performing at the Beerland Festival, scheduled to take place tomorrow in Lilongwe and Blantyre, following the tragic loss of five band members in a car accident last week.
The festival organizers announced the change in lineup, citing the musician’s decision to withdraw from the event as a result of the devastating incident.
Eli Njuchi was set to perform at the Blantyre leg of the festival, which is being held at Scallas Cafe, but will now be replaced by Fada Moti and Aidfest & Kineo.
According to Lucy Msowoya, one of the festival organizers, the decision was made to respect Eli Njuchi’s wishes and allow him to mourn the loss of his band members.
The Beerland Festival will still go ahead as planned, with Onesimus and Joe Ikon performing in Lilongwe at Stamag Cafe, and Trappy Beats, Fada Moti, and Aidfest & Kineo taking the stage in Blantyre at Scallas Cafe.
The festival organizers expressed their condolences to Eli Njuchi and his team, acknowledging the difficult time they are going through.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The NICO Group, which includes NBS Bank and Eris Properties, through its creative sector strategic partner, the Copyright Fund, has joined the nation in mourning five young musicians who died in a tragic road accident at Senzani in Ntcheu District on Friday, 26 December 2025.
The victims, Vincent Mkwinda, Raphael Chitsonga, Elivacy Muyaba, Wilfred Kapengule Jnr, and MacFarlane Banda, were members of Eli Njuchi’s Hive Band and were travelling to Lilongwe ahead of a scheduled performance when the accident occurred along the M1 Road.
In a condolence message issued through the Copyright Fund, the NICO Group said it fondly recalls its recent interaction with the Hive Band during its family day event earlier this year, where the artists performed with distinction and professionalism.
As part of its support, the Group has provided financial assistance of MK1 million to each bereaved family to help with funeral arrangements.
Copyright Fund Administrator Dora Makwinja said the Group deeply shares the grief being experienced across the country following the loss.
“The NICO Group deeply shares the nation’s grief following the tragic and untimely loss of these talented young artists. Through the Copyright Fund, we are offering financial support to assist the families during this difficult time. May the souls of our departed artists rest in peace,” said Makwinja.
Beyond the corporate sector, national leadership has also expressed condolences, with State President Arthur Peter Mutharika and Second Vice President Enock Chihana conveying messages of sympathy to the bereaved families, joining Malawians in mourning the loss of young lives.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Malawi’s music industry, with artists and fans describing the loss as devastating to live music in the country.
The deceased musicians, drummer and sound engineer Raphael Chitsonga, guitarist MacFarlane Banda, road manager Vincent Mkwinda, pianist Wilfred Kapengule Jnr, and vocalist Elivacy Muyaba, were widely regarded as some of the most gifted instrumentalists of their generation.
Award-winning musician Lawi described the incident as a dark day for the industry, while international artist Onesimus said Malawi had lost giants whose contribution to music would be deeply missed.
Following the tragedy, Eli Njuchi cancelled a scheduled performance at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, while other artists, including Lulu, also called off shows as the music fraternity paused to grieve.
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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika and First Lady Gertrude Mutharika have expressed sadness over the loss of five members of Hive Band.
The five died in a terrible road accident on Friday, December 26, 2025.
The first couple condolence message reads, “The First Lady and I are profoundly heartbroken to learn of the horrific road accident that has claimed the lives of five remarkably talented young men—members of the Hive Band who served alongside Afro-dance artist Eli Njuchi.
“We mourn the loss of Elivacy Matamando Muyaba, Wilfred Kupengule Jnr, Vincent Mkwinda, McFarlen Banda, and Raphael Chitsonga”.
Mutharika adds, “These were not just musicians; they were instrumental figures whose passion and artistry helped shape the soul of Malawi’s music industry for years.
“Their passing is a devastating blow, not only to Eli Njuchi and the Musicians Association of Malawi, but to the very heart of our nation”.
The First couple mourns further, “It is a tragedy that leaves a void in our cultural fabric.
“That they were lost while traveling to bring joy to others at an end-of-year concert in Lilongwe only adds to the bitterness of this grief”.
Mutharika assures,”In this hour of darkness, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.
“As a gesture of our shared national mourning, the Government will shoulder all funeral expenses to ensure these sons of Malawi are laid to rest with the dignity they deserve”.
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