MISA Malawi is celebrating the life of legendary broadcaster Lucius Chikuni who died in the early hours of Monday, February 10, 2025.
Chikuni died at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre. He was 84.
“The Malawi media will always remember Chikuni as a dedicated broadcaster. Through his mentoring of generations of broadcasters in Malawi, Chikuni worked hard for the growth and development of the sector and we will miss his wisdom and guidance.
“Our condolences go to the Chikuni family, colleagues at MBC, ZBS and the entire media fraternity,” reads a statement signed by MISA Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga
He was well known for his distinctive radio voice. He is also credited for producing the popular historical radio play ‘Adaferanji’ which depicts the life of John Chilembwe – a revolutionary who mounted early resistance to colonialism in Malawi.
Chikuni started his broadcasting journey as an announcer at the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (FBC)- Nyasaland Studios in 1962. He is one of the broadcasters who were part of the transition from FBC- Nyasaland Studios to the current Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) at the independence.
At the public broadcaster, Chikuni served as an announcer, news anchor, programme organiser, producer and rose to the position of MBC General Manager before moving to diplomatic duties in 1980.
He also joined Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) in its formative years before retiring.
As a diplomat, he served as deputy head of mission at the United Nations (UN), deputy ambassador to the United States of America, High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda, Permanent Representative to the UN Environmental Programme, Permanent Representative to the UN Centre for Human Settlements, ambassador to Egypt, ambassador to Israel and ambassador to South Africa.
Chikuni also served as Principal Secretary/Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Rehabilitation, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Principal Secretary for Labour.
