Return of live shows
Following the announcement of the May 21 Tripartite Elections results on Monday evening, life is expected to return to normal in the entertainment arena.
The uncertainity which characterised the period between May 21 and May 28, especially in the wake of delayed presidential election results, affected several sectors, including the arts and entertainment world which resulted in some artists postponing their planned shows.
This weekend will see the return to the stage of Lucius Banda and his Zembani Band, Chileka reggae giants Black Missionaries and also the launch of songstress Wendy Harawa’s debut gospel album at Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) in Lilongwe.
The Balaka music giant, Lucius, will lead his troops in a performance at Arnolds Guesthouse in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota on Friday, then at Mahesha Lodge in NkhataBay on Saturday before winding up their tour of duty at 20 Four 7 Club at Kameza in Blantyre on Sunday.
The Black Missionaries, supported by Anthony Makondetsa, Yanjanani Chumbu and Khozi Masimbe, will on Friday perform at Vibes in Zomba, then at Culture Club in Kasungu on Saturday and finally at Sunbird Capital, New Marquee in Lilongwe.
Though the situation has remained tense and volatile in some parts of the country such as Lilongwe, Dowa and Kasungu, the artists say they hope that come this weekend, the pockets of violence will have died down to provide a safe environment for their shows.
Lucius, who unsuccessfully defended his Balaka North seat during the just-ended polls, said what Malawians need right now is music to help ease the political tensions and mend the strained relationships.
“When we artists go into the arts mode, we do take away our political robes. If I should talk about politics, it will just be satire which cannot hurt anyone. By now people are tired of politics and what we need now is to give them entertainment,” he said.
Black Missionaries Band manager Ray Harawa said they continue to monitor the situation hoping that the security agents will contain the situation. He, however, said that if the situation remains tense, they will be forced to cancel their shows.
He said: “Our fans in Lilongwe, Kasungu and Zomba have missed us. We are so geared up for these appearances and we hope that the shows will take place.”
On her part Wendy said: “We have been praying for peace and we keep believing in God. The situation is indeed tense. We have faith that everything will be alright.”
On Monday, Inspector General (IG) of Police Rodney Jose addressed members of the press on the post-election security situation where he assured all citizens of safety, stressing that they have a constitutional duty to enforce the law and ensure peace in the country.
Last Saturday, local acoustic music ace Lulu was forced to postpone his planned performance at Rock City in Lilongwe due to rising political tension. n
