Mibawa Television celebrates fallen artists
Musicians and actors on Saturday celebrated the lives of fallen artists Eric Mabedi, John Nyanga, Sweeny Chimkango and Frank Patani Mwase at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre.
Kick starting the show was Wycliffe Chimwendo with his song Akwilanga followed by Moyo.
When he played his last song, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, Chimwendo said every believer should make sure they walk with Jesus every day.
He said: “We do not know when we will be called to join Jesus. It is important to have Jesus every day.”
Omba Lipenga performance followed next. The Seventh Day Adventist Church choral group opened its showpiece with Gwada Upemphere, a song that made them a household name in early 2000s. They also did Bwerani Msanga, among other songs.
The mode changed from music to fun and laughter when National Theatre Association of Malawi (Ntam) exhibited their play titled Sibwino.
They went ahead to recreate some of Izeki ndi Jakobo famous skits which sent the audience down the memory lane.
Renowned gospel group Adams Family finally wound up the evening with some of their most famous songs including Amatikonda and Anagwa Ndi Mtanda.
But it was Sweeney Chimkango’s Nzayenda Mmisewu Ya Golide that struck a chord with many patrons watching the event live on television and those at the venue.
Speaking in between the performances, Adams Family lead vocalist Ken Manana said the late Sweeny discovered Adams Family and made it what it is today.
Speaking earlier, Mibawa Television producer Wellington Kuntaja said the television station felt duty bound to celebrate the lives of the fallen artists who contributed immensely to the country.
The late Frank Patani Mwase made a name as a member of Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre, the late John Nyanga was a comedian and actor famed for his comic antics with the late Eric Mabedi as Izeki ndi Jakobo. For long, the two were also instrumental in the acting life of Kwathu Drama Group started by Mabedi’s uncle the late versatile Charles Severe.
Reacting to the event, which was also being streamed on Facebook, patrons congratulated the artists for putting up a brilliant show.
Musician Annie Ng’ambi wrote in the comments box: “Miss these people so much. May the good Lord continue to help their families”.
However, a section of viewers expressed reservations over the inclusion of several fallen artists instead of concentrating on one artist at a time while others wondered why the late Evans Mbewe was not celebrated alongside the others.
The event was sponsored by Mibawa Television in conjunction with Goodwill Funeral.
