The body of Professor Muzipasi Shumba who introduced drama studies at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) and Mzuzu University will be laid to rest today at Magodi Shumba Village, Traditional Authority M’Mbelwa in Mzimba.

Shumba died at home on Monday midnight, according to family members.

Shumba, fondly known as Mupa by his students, joined UNIMA as an administrative officer on April 1 1966, but moved to academic work in the English Department in 1969.

This was after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Geography and History at Makerere University in Uganda where he was also a member of the Makerere Travelling Theatre.

In 1971, Shumba went to the University of Edmonton in Canada where he did a Master of Arts in drama literature.

Mupa was born on May 5 1940 at Euyangeni Village in Mzimba.