It’s the 16th edition of late Evison Matafale memorial show. The venue is Gadaga ground at Chileka in Blantyre. The day is Sunday.
According to Black Missionaries band leader Anjiru Fumulani, this year marks the end for them to hold the show at Chileka—home of the fallen reggae king who died in 2001 under mysterious circumstances while in police custody.
Said Fumulani: “Finally, we have been granted access to the venue after two weeks of negotiations. However, from next year, we may change the venue. We will make a proper announcement in due course about our next venue.”
Fumulani, whose band has been organising the event since 2001, said the Civil Aviation Office at Chileka has been reluctant over the years to give them the venue due to issues of security at the airport.
He said the delay in securing the venue this year has affected preparations for the show such that artists invited for the event could not confirm on time.
“Nevertheless, fans should expect fireworks because for the first time, we will be using powerful equipment provided by Mibawa. So, we expect to have a good show,” he said.
Fumulani implored patrons to observe peace during the show.
“We don’t want violent scenes because this is a commemoration of our hero who died for the truth,” he said.
Matafale died on November 27 2001 while in police custody. He was arrested on suspicion that he authored a seditious letter against the then government of Bakili Muluzi and his United Democratic Front (UDF).
At the time of his death, he had two albums to his credit, Kuyimba 1 (1999) and Kuyimba 2 (2001).
Some of his hit songs are Nkhawa Bii, Yang’ana Nkhope, Watsetseleka, Olenga Dzuwa, Poison so Sweet and Overthrow.
The late Matafale was the leader and founder of the Black Missionaries, which is loved as Ma Blacks. Initially, he used to perform with the Wailing Brothers. n
