This and That

Finally, 2012 is here

Phew, we are in 2012 and looking back over our shoulders we see 2011 where it belongs; in the past.

But some activities stand stark in the rear view mirror, tall enough to be counted.

2011 is a year in which Aubrey Kalitera published and launched a book he touts to have written in five days.

This was either an act of genius or too hurried a way to go about things.

As one would expect, the Lake of Stars Festival in Mangochi dwarfed the Sand Music Festival in Salima and Blantyre Arts Festival.

It was almost an empty year for drama but still, Kwathu and Nanzikambe’s sparse appearances saved theatre from extinction.

Maskal’s album, Nthawi, was the greatest mover and shaker on the music store shelf.

Elson Kambalu’s cry to government and the Lilongwe City Council to save the old DC’s office from demolition was the bravest one man act for the benefit of heritage.

Sonye and Katelera Ching’oma are the year’s greatest music revelations–one on either side extreme of Malawi’s music tastes!

The most unfortunate act is Thlupego Chisiza’s arrest on stage as he attempted to launch his political satire, Semo.

The biggest stumble on the catwalk was the realisation that the winner at this year’s Miss Malawi would get no car.

Instead, it was a new pageant—Miss Warm Heart of Africa—that would congratulate the winner with a BMW.

All in all, the best art exhibition was on July 20 when placards, fashion, drama and songs came together to tell a story of a people laden with socio-political ills.

Art is power.

Well, this is only my take. You may beg to differ and I will be happy to share your views on this column!

 

Postscript

Sometimes we may have talent we may never want to trade for any amount of gold or silver.

But sometimes death creeps in, stealthily, in the night and by the break of dawn, we realise we no longer have the talent we could have guarded at any cost.

By the fate that 2011 forced on us, the multitalented Fred Muphuwa, singer Esther Chiyembekeza, poet and radio host O’Brien Nazombe, television producer Ken ‘7 Years’ Siyabu are no longer with us.

We shall always treasure these people’s contributions.

May their souls rest in peace.

Related Articles

Back to top button