Blantyre Arts Festival excites children
The Blantyre Arts Festival (BAF) gave a free treat to children from various primary and secondary schools within Malawi’s commercial city of Blantyre when it hosted a Children’s Festival for them on Friday, October 5.
The Children’s Festival, held at the French Cultural Centre amphitheatre, started around 10am ending around 2pm and brought together more than 20 schools across Blantyre both from private and public schools.
The children showcased various artistic talents including traditional dances, poem reciting both in English and French, house music dances, stage plays, accapella music singing and they were treated to a jumping castle afterwards.
According to BAF Children’s Festival coordinator, Vanessa Phiri-Maloya, who also plays with Nanzinkambe Arts group, this year’s Children’s Festival has received a huge turnout compared to last year.
“Last year, we only had five schools that registered to perform, but this year, many schools showed interest and there is a big improvement in the activities they are showcasing because they were told in good time; therefore, had time for practice,†said Phiri-Maloya.
She also commended the good job that the schools are doing in allowing their students to take part in arts saying this makes them take art seriously.
A stage play by Maranatha Schools won the hearts of the children as it received cheers, handclapping and applauds. The play depicted the four leaders that Malawi has had since attaining its independence and stating what each leader achieved during their reign.
