Kambalu’s zeal for cultural discovery

Elson Kambalu is one of the gifted visual artists that Malawi has been blessed with.

But he likes describing himself as a multi-media artist because he is into so many things that steal his leisure time.

He is quick to say: “I completely do not have free time. I am either shooting a film, writing a book or playing with my daughters. That’s how I divide my time. But I don’t believe there is free time there.”

He says time is precious hence every minute counts in his life. But precisely, he likes spending his time on things that challenge his thinking and please his life.

“As an artist, I love to live creatively while thinking critically on issues that affect mankind. That aside, I am a family man who dedicates his time to his daughters. I love it very much because my children need my time,” he said.

Why is it relevant for a father to spend time with his children?

“We are because our parents were there for us in so many ways. But first and foremost, our children need our emotional support for them to grow healthy and loving. Even in their academic endevours, children need parental guidance,” said Kambalu.

He also likes writing to challenge his thinking and explore the world around him.

Kambalu calls himself a multi-media artist because of his keen interest in technological advancements. He is also into photography.

There is a thin line between controversy and advocacy, but Kambalu likes advocating for arts and cultural issues in Malawi, bringing hot debates in the spotlight.

One of the issues he has been tackling is about the magnificent Ngulu ya Nawambe, a private residence of founding president Hastings Kamuzu Banda in Kasungu, which was idle.

He argues that Ngulu ya Nawambe is a monumental place which serves historical purpose for Malawi hence deserves to be a museum of some sort.

“I am not controversial but an advocate for what is good for Malawi both artistically and culturally. I just highlight issues the way they are and suggest solutions for the benefit of the entire nation. For example, when I call upon relevant authorities such as government to preserve Malawi’s history and culture by conserving monumental places such as buildings, it’s good for our nation,” said Kambalu.

Due to the nature of his father’s job, medical profession, his entire family had always been on the move, sampling different cultures in different places. And this aroused his interest in cultural related issues.

“The nature of my father’s job enhanced my creativity in a way that I am a very curious person who always wants to learn. And until today, I am still sampling different cultures around the globe because I am always inspired by diversity in cultures. I am also eager to share and then absorb some more insights.

“Perhaps I love learning tips on how to contribute to the growth of our beautiful nation Malawi,” he said.

Kambalu would have been a guitarist if it were not for his settlement in the world of painting and creativity. He said he grew up in abig family that required one to be creative to get attention.

He says he is a believer of handwork and dedication. If he can be given a second chance to be child once more, he said he would concentrated on reading more literature and playing a guitar.

Kambalu said attitude was key to development saying the more people tune in to ideas the more they become tolerant and progressive. n