President of Malawi, Dr. Joyce Banda was observed a one-minute silence in recognition of the dancehall guru Patrick Magalasi who died recently, CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

This was observed before the president made her speech at the event marking the 2013 International Youth Day in Ntcheu.

“Before proceeding any further, I would say that Malawi has lost one of the youthful talented entertainers in the country in the name of Mafunyeta. I would therefore ask us all to observe a one minute silence,” Banda said.

All the people at the event stood up and observed the one-minute of silence in honour of the fallen young artist.

Sources disclosed that the president had earlier in the day sent her condolences to the family of the young artist on her facebook. The message reads,”I am shocked to hear the death of one of our nation’s best talented young musician Patrick Malagasi (aka Mafunyeta). My condolences go out to the family…He was truly a great young man sharing his music of love and peace. You will be missed!”

Mafunyeta, proudly called King Shaka was regarded as one of the best dancehall artists to have emerged on the local dancehall arena after the demise of another legendary youthful dancehall pioneer Vic Marley in 2005. Mafunyeta died last Sunday night following an asthma attack.