President Mutharika Mourn Five Hive Band Artists Killed in Road Accident
Published on December 27, 2025 at 6:45 AM by Evance Kapito
The State President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika and former First Lady Prof. Gertrude Mutharika have expressed deep sorrow over the death of five members of the Hive Band, who were killed in a tragic road accident while traveling to Lilongwe for an end-of-year concert.
In a condolence message, the Mutharikas said they were “profoundly heartbroken” by the loss of the young musicians who performed alongside Afro-dance artist Eli Njuchi.
The deceased have been identified as Elivacy Matamando Muyaba, Wilfred Kupengule Jnr, Vincent Mkwinda, McFarlen Banda, and Raphael Chitsonga.
“They were not just musicians; they were instrumental figures whose passion and artistry helped shape the soul of Malawi’s music industry,” reads the message.
The former President described the deaths as a devastating blow to Eli Njuchi, the Musicians Association of Malawi, and the nation at large, saying the tragedy has left a void in Malawi’s cultural fabric.
The Mutharikas noted that the artists lost their lives while traveling to entertain Malawians, a factor that, they said, deepens the pain of the loss.
As a gesture of national mourning, the message states that government will cover all funeral expenses to ensure the artists are laid to rest with dignity.
They extended their condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and the music fraternity, assuring them of prayers and solidarity during the difficult time.
