Fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the way this year’s Land of Poets was designed, arguing that it lacked the sparkle to befit an annual event.
The fans’ objection was confirmed by The Nation’s observation which revealed that the setting of the event, Blantyre Cultural Centre’s (BCC) amphitheatre, lacked fundamentals such as spotlights on the stage.
This resulted in the audience failing to catch a clear glimpse of the performers such as Frank Atcheya Naligonje, Aunt Geti and Mr Malawi when darkness started creeping in.
The stage’s floor was untidy, too. Spots of dust could be spotted on the attire of some performers who came in contact with the floor during their skits.
“Land of Poets is an annual event. But it is sad to note that the event has been designed in a manner which does not fit an annual event. We had no decorations and the dancefloor was not cleaned up,” observed Davie Kwelepa.
However, one of the organisers of the event Sylvester Kalizang’oma hailed this year’s Land of Poets, saying it surpassed last year’s event.
“This year, we had overwhelming support as compared to past years. In a nutshell, we can say that this year was massive,” he said.
And despite the glitches, the event created a rare interaction platform when patrons were given an opportunity to rule the proceedings by evaluating the performers on stage.
There were other performances from gospel musician Princess Chitsulo, veteran poet Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga, Joseph Madzedze, Frank ‘Atcheya’ Naligonje, Aunt Geti and Mr Malawi.
But the highlight of the day was Chichiri Prison Cultural Troupe which impressed with their sets which comprised a gule wamkulu dance.
The annual event saw the poets recognising Malunga with a lifetime achiever’s award which he dedicated to the late founder of Kwathu Drama Group Charles Severe and broadcasters Gospel Kazako and Mattias Manyeka.
