The Blantyre Arts Festival is past us
Phew! We look at it over our shoulders, praying we forget it quickly lest we remain haunted by its flaws—ranging from the shoddy sound output to mixed-up performance schedules.
But from the mud of it all, we count it all joy that ‘little’ names such as Lloyd ‘Agoloso’ Phaundi and Sila Bakali once again proved their mettle.
A weekend on, the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi play host to ‘a million’ beach festivals.
In these times of a kwacha that floats in unsteady waters, one wonders why we heap all shows in a single weekend.
To people well-travelled, it is not a big issue for a nice, fresh and vast lakeshore such as ours to host as many parties simultaneously.
But, honestly, in a time of one of the strongest economic meltdowns, every penny counts and entertainment budgets get a little stingier.
The budgeting is tight as items prices soar; salaries remain almost the same.
What makes one weekend so special to cram into one weekend all entertainment there is?
Is it a case of ‘If Johnny does this, I will do it too?’
I know gigs cost much to organise and the need to work out brilliant formulas needs not to be emphasised.
I am double sure good timing contributes a lot to formulas that work.
But let us give it the benefit of doubt: Paja pamene ndiwo zikukwera mtengo, mowa sukwera; ‘umangosintha’ mtengo chabe!
I hope beach party goers will spare a penny for Mother’s Day presents!
 Tears, tears, tears
I lost two friends—old time pal Kumbukani Mchulu, who died at Mwaiwathu Hospital in Blantyre, and Stuart Mkandawire, a shy and ever smiling young man from Ndirande Newlines who was shot dead by unknown assailants in South Africa.
What could we have discussed if we met again—football or art as usual? Would it also not be the ambitions young men nurture?
But now that God has willed it, shall we not let God handle your departure?
May God strengthen the deceased families and comfort them with His never dying love. May the departed souls rest in Peace.
