Elias Samson Misi well known with stage name Atoht Manje was laid to rest on Monday at Nsanyira Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi district where Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda and thousands of people went to bid him farewell.
Reports indicate that Atoht Manje died on Saturday in Mzuzu soon after his performance at the University of Livingstonia (UNILIA), due to respiratory problem.
In his eulogy, Chimwendo Banda said the death of the artist was a loss to the country’s music industry, adding that the deceased was one of the fine musicians whose songs rich in culture.
“As government we are saddened with the death of Atoht Manje because he promoted culture apart from entertaining Malawians.’’
‘‘President Lazarus Chakwera is saddened by the death of Atoht whose music represented real Malawi art,’’ said Chimwendo Banda.
In his remarks, Presidential Advisor on Youth, Lucius Banda said it was saddening to see musicians dying in their youthful years.
Banda who is also a renowned musician in the country said that the nation shall remember Atoht as a jovial and hard working person who embraced love and peace amongst his fellow musicians.
“We will remember our friend in many ways. His music was unique, in a way that he never copied western music,” said Banda.
Elias Samson Maluwa, a brother to Atoht Manje said that the family was shocked upon hearing the passing of their brother.
He said that their brother was a strong pillar in the family as he could support his relatives whenever they sought his help.
Maluwa thanked government through the Ministry of Local Government for supporting them with transport and resources which helped to ferry the remains of Atoht from the north.
Other notable people who attended the burial ceremony included Nicholas Dausi, Bright Msaka, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Aisha Mambo, as well as musicians Skeffa Chimoto, Ethel Kamwendo Banda and Evance Meleka.
Late Atoht Manje was born on September 5, 1989 and is survived by a wife, four children and a mother.
Reported By Ernest Mfunya
