BAF concludes on high note
Despite having a poor start, characterised by low patronage and technical hitches, Blantyre Arts Festival (BAF) closed on a high note on Sunday as fans got more than they expected.
The closedown started with poetry performances by Tobias Kunze from Germany and veteran Alfred Msadala in the Blantyre Cultural Centre auditorium.
After the poetry session, Kwathu Drama Group took over the stage to mesmerise fans with their play Mwai which centred on an uncle (Charles Mphoka) who did not want his niece to get married to a short man, despite that he was a doctor, because he would not perform his manly duties well in bed.
The actors, coupled with their artistic acts did not disappoint and were a marvel to watch as the fully packed auditorium was occasionally sent into stitches of laughter every now and then.
After the play in the auditorium, the patronage was invited to the main stage for some live musical performances by some gospel giants in the country.
Starting the musical performances was Model Choir from Music Crossroads in Lilongwe, who, as soon as they started singing, the crowd became vibrant, singing along and dancing to their songs.
After the choir, Grolia Manong’a, accompanied by two young dancers, was next on the list with four songs.
Kamuzu Baracks Gospel Singers took over the stage from Grolia and their dance moves proved to the crowd that they are indeed soldiers.
The soldier singers kept on engaging their audience, at some point inviting patrons to showcase dancing skills on the stage.
They also gave a chance to one young man to lead in singing the song Dzandiolotseni.
After Kamuzu Barracks Gospel Singers, King James Phiri was next on the list and he gave out four tracks including his hit Mukumane ndi Chosowa Changa before the patrons demanded he sings Yona.
Ndirande Anglican Voices took over the stage and they gave out four songs including Ndikumva Kukoma, Alleluya and Wakutuma Ndani.
Finishing up the party was Ethel Kamwendo Banda who also gave out four tracks that kept the fans dancing and still yearning for more despite the darkness that had started.
Guest of honour at the function, director in the Ministry of Tourism, Information and Civic Education Elizabeth Chindebvu commended the organisers of the show, saying she will take a good message to the minister.
In an interview, BAF executive director Thomas Chibambo said he was happy with the way the festival had ended despite the low patronage in the first two days.
“The festival has ended very well and as BAF, we are impressed. This year’s festival has been highly patronised by internationals and it is a good thing to the economy of the country,” said Chibambo.
