Christmas is that time when artists are all over town making money and keeping fans entertained. James Chavula got in touch with some of Malawian artists and it appears fun is coming to your town.
Grace Chinga
Where: After performing in Chikhwawa at the weekend, I am heading to Monkey Bay for Christmas.
My Christmas: I have grown up singing. When I sing, I feel very happy. If I were free, I would have been home, chatting with children. I find happiness in them.
Advice: Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It only ends well if you celebrate well. Don’t do things you will regret for the rest of your life. Some people lose lives in the name of Christmas.
Rachael Mazombwe-Zulu, Minister of Tourism and Culture
Where: To party with my people at Chawala School Ground in Mchinji North Constituency. John Malunga will perform live.
What is Christmas? It is the birth of Christ, but the celebrations are nothing if we do not stop our past sins and start anew. We need to clean our hearts in readiness for Christ. So, this is time to pray and to have fun with your family and friends. I love going to my constituency.
Memorable Christmas: Last year. I handed over a pick-up to my constituents in Mchinji North. The two-tonner Mitsubishi Canter is helping them a lot when it comes to funerals, weddings, community events and transporting the sick to hospital.
Advice: Happy Christmas to everybody, especially President Joyce Banda and my family. Let’s welcome Jesus with clean hearts. Take care.
Anjiru Fumulani, Black Missionaries
Where: The Blacks are performing at Lilongwe Golf Club alongside Anthony Makondetsa and Moda Fumulani.
My Christmas: It’s the busiest time, we join our fans in celebrating the birth of our saviour. We will be on stage singing songs that glorify his name and help our fans to enjoy responsibly.
Memorable Christmas: 1997. Our father, the late Robert Fumulani, was in hospital. Unlike our friends, there was a heavy cloud of sorrow in our family. We wished he was home to celebrate with us.
Advice: Enjoy wisely. Avoid regrets. Don’t drink and drive.
Dan Lu, The Rockers Band
Where: I will perform alongside Maskal, Mafunyeta and Anne Matumbi at Club Limpopo in Lilongwe.
My Christmas: It’s a busy time when I make money while celebrating the birth of Christ with my fans.
Memorable show: 2005. As a member of Lucius Banda’s Zembani Band, we were on a tour which started a week before Christmas and ended days after New Year. The daily shows left me so tired that I started dosing on stage.
Advice: Enjoy responsibly. Those that will be free should spare time for God, their families, parents and friends.
Shemu Joyah, The Last Fishing Boat film maker
Where: I will be travelling to Lilongwe. I am screening my latest film, The Last Fishing Boat, at Kamuzu Institute for Sports.
My Christmas: I am not particularly a religious person. Of course, I grew up in a family which believed Christmas is the day Christ was born. We could go to church, come back and have a lot of rice with chicken.
Memorable Christmas: If I have money, I take my family to the lake. But this year, I will be on the road.
Advice: Drive safely. Don’t drink and drive.
Prince Martin, Soul Raiders Band
Where: The Soul Raiders will not have a show until Saturday when we are booked at Chameleon Bar in Lilongwe.
What is Christmas? The band comprises ex-Seminarians. Needless to say, the birth of Jesus is a big thing in our spiritual lives. There is nothing that gives us fun like coming together to sing and entertain our fans.
Best Christmas: When I am free I take my wife and children to Salima. I also like hanging out with my friends for some drinks and meat bites.
Advice: Enjoy responsibly. Don’t risk your lives!
