A Poem in Memory of Brian Banda, Director General of MBC
By Burnett Munthali
Brian, we speak to you though you cannot answer,
For death has taken your voice from our ears;
Yet your memory remains among us,
And your name continues to echo through our tears.
Brian, you came from humble beginnings,
And you walked a long road with courage and grace;
Rising through journalism, step by step,
Until you earned your place among Malawi’s finest.
In the newsroom, Brian, we knew your voice,
A voice that carried stories across the nation;
And you gave your talent to broadcasting,
Serving your profession with dedication.
Now the microphone has fallen silent,
And the chair you occupied stands empty;
But Brian, your voice has not truly disappeared—
It lives in the memories of those you served.
Brian, you were more than a Director General,
You were a journalist, a colleague and a leader;
A man who understood the weight of responsibility,
And carried the hopes of broadcasting on your shoulders.
Never did you imagine, perhaps,
That your journey would end so suddenly;
During your time, you left an indelible mark,
And your contribution will remain with MBC.
Brian, you travelled across Malawi with colleagues,
Visiting stations and looking toward tomorrow;
You discussed the future of broadcasting,
Never knowing how little time remained.
You had plans, Brian.
You had dreams for the years ahead.
You had a future you were still building,
But life wrote a different ending.
Your family called you their pillar,
Your brothers and sisters knew your strength;
As the first-born among eight children,
You carried a place in their hearts that cannot be replaced.
Brian, your family will miss your presence,
Your colleagues will miss your leadership,
Your friends will miss your laughter and companionship,
And Malawi will miss your voice.
You travelled through Capital Radio,
You served at Times TV,
You found another chapter at MBC,
And eventually became its Director General.
What a journey, Brian.
From humble beginnings to national leadership,
You proved that determination can open doors,
And that a journalist can rise to lead an institution.
Today, Brian, we do not speak only of your death.
We speak of the life you lived.
We speak of the people you touched.
We speak of the mark you left behind.
Be at peace now, Brian.
Rest after the long journey.
In our memories, you will remain.
Among your colleagues, your name will be spoken.
Never will your legacy be forgotten.
Brian, your microphone may be silent,
And your newsroom may feel strangely quiet;
Nothing, however, can silence your legacy,
Deep in the hearts of those who knew you,
And in the story of Malawi’s media.
So sleep peacefully, Brian Banda.
You gave us your voice.
You gave us your journalism.
You gave us your leadership.
You gave us your service.
Now we give you our farewell.
Rest in peace, Brian.
Your voice has fallen silent,
but your story will continue to speak.
Your journey has ended,
but your legacy has only begun.
