Finally, befitting send-off for Wambali
f there are things that dealt a heavy blow to humanity in recent years then the global Covid-19 pandemic features high on the list.
The pandemic came with a lot of directives which almost stripped off human dignity and denied people the privilege to carry out some norms they have grown used to when it comes to handling funerals of their loved ones.
At its peak, for instance there was that 24-hour rule of disposing of bodies of people succumbing to the pandemic. A lot of our brothers, sisters, parents were buried in such a rushed manner. The situation meant that relations and friends were denied the opportunity to bid farewell to the people they loved.
It was really a sad situation as many never made peace or came to terms with the death and departure of people very close to them. There was never a time for them to reach that moment of closure.
The creative sector suffered its share of such losses to the pandemic. One such big name who succumbed to Covid-19 and left without due respects is the legendary jazz maestro Mte Wambali Mkandawire.
On January 31, 2021 a glowing feather from the Malawi music arena was plucked off. The sadness that engulfed the nation, especially the music industry, was immense. Here was a man who was almost a national treasure.
Wambali’s music story was not confined to the borders of Malawi. He had travelled and rubbed shoulders with the best the world had to offer and he came out with his head held high. His discipline on the art and unique execution of his music won him many fans.
But when his hour came to walk his last mile, he was alone. All because of the public health restrictions in line with the pandemic. Such turnouts made the deaths to be even painful and hard to come to terms with.
But his memory and reverence appeared never to have deserted people who loved him and his music and those who were close to him. Some months ago, a team of musicians led by the Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango announced a tribute project for the late Wambali.
A tribute medley song of some of his wonderful compositions was released. Also involved in the project were Rudo Chakwera, Amos Mlolowa, Eric Paliani, ChambotaChirwa, Dan Sibale, Willy Soko, Sangwani Munthali and Sam Shaba.
The medley was released on January 31 the same day memorial prayers were held at his home in Chitipi, Lilongwe. The response was massive and another idea was hatched. A memorial concert for the fallen legend was announced. It was held last Saturday at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
Finally, an opportunity to celebrate Wambali’s life was possible. So, on Saturday musicians and music lovers from all walks of life thronged the Sunbird Capital to pay their respects to the man who had decorated the art of music for decades with nothing but perfect finesse.
For a man who lived preaching through music, it was only befitting that he is accorded the same musical experience that defined his journey on this earth. With great conviction, I am sure on Saturday his spirit gave his trademark sly smile upon the respect and joy that his fellow artists and his fans bestowed upon his legacy.
The Covid-19 pandemic took a lot from us as a people. Maybe it is time we started taking some of the things it took from us back. We don’t have to give in to defeat easily. There is so much we need to do to recover our identity. The Wambali Memorial Concert should be our model. Rest well Mte!
