It’s time to stand, Usi challenges Malawians

Uncompromising and scathing was the sermon comedian Michael Usi delivered yesterday calling Malawians to stand up against an old political order which has trapped the nation in a cycle of mismanagement.

Delivering an interdenominational sermon titled, Ubatizowu Ngwatonse [The baptism is for all] to thousands that jam-packed Comesa Hall in Blantyre, Usi, popularly known as Manganya, warned the nation that blind loyalty to poor leadership will not better Malawi.

“As we head for the elections in May, every Malawian has a role to play. We have been down and toyed around for so long. It has to stop, for the sake of our children,” he said.

Usi, who underlined that his message is for Malawians and the yet to be elected President, took a swipe at the leaders Malawi has had as ‘arrogant’ and indifferent to good advice.

The half-an-hour sermon, which was spiced by performances from Omba Lipenga quartet and Mlaka Maliro, drew a deafening applause and standing ovation from the public when Usi attacked the leader’s culture of seeking publicity when making donations.

Without specifically mentioning any leader, Usi challenged Malawians to question the rationale of leaders that spend millions just to donate a single antelope to a poor villager and then demand a photo shoot.

Veteran actor Frank Patani Mwase said after the performance it did not matter whether what the actor put up was a theatre piece or a sermon.

“Drama can take many forms and styles. Usi could have been using one of those forms but that is not the issue. What matters is whether the message was relevant or not.” he said.