Farewell, Man Popo

Terence Miselo
The entertainment industry is yet again filled with grief and sorrow following the untimely death of Lawrence Banda famously known as Man Popo. Popo, an all rounder artiste showcasing skills like dancing, rapping, voice over artiste and emcee, died on Sunday evening after an illness.
The news of his death was received with lots of emotions and reactions from people of all walks of life as they took to social media to share their grief and life memories about Popo, a man that worked hard and touched many lives.
As a young man, from secondary school, Popo was already actively involved in several things surrounding the entertainment industry. He launched his career at Bread of Life Church and moved his dance and public speaking passion to different sectors around 2000. In a short space, he was already famous and became a finalist at the Dance4Africa project under DStv.
From then on, he pushed his way to the music sector working as a dancer and hype man for artistes like Danny Kaya, JK and Petersen. He occasionally made his own music, but his greatest passion was for the stage. For this reason, he won roadshow jobs for top corporate and government institutions until he permanently got a job at Trade Kings. At Trade Kings, he made sure to follow a dream to work with various artistes in brand marketing and promotions. This made him work with almost every greatest talent in the industry. Aside to that demanding job, he was an event planner, top class MC and music promoter. His death has indeed left a huge gap.
Here some tributary messages from some of the people that worked closely with him. May soul rest in peace.
“Your mind was creative; you were a people person. A good friend and partner. You loved what you did, you had too much passion, your warm heart brought a lot of people together,” DJ Tony Rolakosta Mukanzu.
“Still can’t believe you are gone, Rest in Peace Man Popo, till we meet again,” DJ Bizzy Wizzy
“Atase! Atase! Mwaiche in 2000 I discovered your talent in the showgrounds and named you little CISCO. I then taught you roadshow showmanship and trained you to be a product compeer. Everyone now knew you as ManPopo the name we coined off the roadshows, but I still know you as little Lawrence, my lucky charm…” Owas Ray Mwape.
“Popo will always be remembered for his passion for music and dance. He started quite early and quickly found himself at the top of the ladder as he worked closely with the crème ’de la cream of Zambian music.” Njoya Tembo
“I remember years back at Bread of Life, the best dancer I have ever seen. You, me and late Lilly T decided to launch out and follow were our talents were leading us. Go well Muntu wandi, best concert MC ever,” Chibwe Katebe.
Funeral gathering is being held at late Popo’s home on Ngwezi Road near Roma Lodge.