Tears for Mafunyeta & Co
Jah people, Malawians were shocked by the death of a youthful voice who gifted us loads of rhymes and love in his songs—Mafunyeta.
Born Patrick Magalasi, the 25-year-old had a unique touch of dancehall, something that we thought had died with Vic Marley nearly 10 years ago. He was not just another urban music dude, but an example of how free-flowing rhymes help make overused themes more entertaining, vivid and memorable. I will remember Mafunyeta for the romantic lyrics which endeared him to those young and adventurous at heart—the type that despise tales of the good ole Kalimba and Black Mambazo as a ploy to teach them to start underrating themselves.
Nothing hurts more than losing young personalities who never shied away from expressing what they were capable of doing when most young Malawians seem to see nothing wrong with muting their talents and underestimating themselves. Rather than becoming a thief, loafer and political cheerleader as those who change colours like chameleons, Mafunyeta devoted his energies to entertaining the nation even when we did not see much to smile about.
For his life worth remembering, I am grateful to the Magalasi family. I reckon this is why “shocked” President Joyce Banda, while commemorating the International Youth Day in Ntcheu on Monday, faded into a minute of silence in memory of the fallen youngster whom she eulogised as great for his music of love and peace.
What a month! Rest in peace Mafunyeta, MBC Band veteran Mjura Mkandawire and Zigzaggers keyboardist Billy Maliseni.
JB’s Celebs
Apart from roping former Big Brother housemate Fatima Nkata into her People’s Party, the President seems to be taking keen interest in the faces behind our entertainment, arts and culture vibe. Recently, she donated air tickets and $10 000 to the Black Missionaries trip to Ireland.
Unless her newfound flirtations with the “celebrities” is all about using their crowd-pulling names to advance hidden political agenda, it will be gratifying to see JB graduate from handouts that benefit individuals and start pushing for initiatives that benefit many. This path begins with the adoption of the National Arts Policy which has been gathering dust for over 10 years.
