Some members of Find Codi, a newly-launched band based in Blantyre, were involved in a road accident on their way from Lilongwe to Blantyre on Tuesday, band leader Chikondi Suleman has confirmed.
The band, which was launched in Blantyre last month, made their first outing to Lilongwe on Saturday, where they performed at Chameleon Bar Saturday and N1 Cafe & Grill on Sunday.
However, it was a case of ‘so near, yet so far away’ as some band members were involved in a car accident at Lunzu in Blantyre.
“On our way back yesterday (Tuesday) on a convoy of two cars— comprising a van carrying equipment and personal car, with both cars carrying band members— the van lost control due to the rain and wet road and overturned, throwing out passengers and equipment at Lunzu.
“The driver, James Kachitseko, and two band members— Dave Nachuma (key board) and Steve Boya (lead guitar) — were rushed to Mlambe Hospital, where they were later referred to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital,” Suleman said.
According to her, Nachuma suffered dislocation [of bones] in two places on his left arm and had it plastered while Boya suffered cuts and had some bruises.
“The driver also suffered a banged up body after the van fell on top of his legs. All the patients have been discharged and are at home,” Suleman said.
She added that all the equipment was salvaged, although some equipment was damaged.
However, the van has been damaged beyond repair.
Asked about the future of the band, Suleman said the accident has left band members traumatised.
“It will take us a while to mobilise ourselves and get our morale back as this was a traumatic experience. But [the accident] will not bring us down. We will gather ourselves up as soon as damages are assessed and repaired,” Suleman said.
Commenting on the Lilongwe shows, Suleman said the band’s first Lilongwe outing was full of positives.
“The shows were awesome and we had over 100 people at the events. We were well received and it was something new. N1 Cafe & Grill [performance] was also great but the turnout could not match that of Chameleon. There were a lot of events also going on but we still managed to wow the crowd,” Suleman said.
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