Nkhata Bay, one of the lakeshore districts, is renowed for honala, a traditional dance performed by smartly-dressed men and women mostly during wedding and other celebrations.
For a long time, honala has been synonymous with Parker Town Band which has mesmerised audiences far and wide clad in their black business suits for men with white shirts complete with Wilson hats.
On the other hand, women add colour wearing black skirts and white blouses and berets.
In honala, no drums are used. The key instrument is a Hohner or accordion, locally known as honala.
According to Oxford dictionary, accordion is “a music instrumentplayed by stretching and squeezing with the hands to work a bellows, the notes being surrounded by buttons or keys”.
Parker Town Band manager Lucius Akwanjira Chirwa said they appreciate the response during the public performances.
“We are invited to many activities such as weddings and conferences,” he said.
But the future of this band remains a mystery. The band comprises members that are advanced in age. Will it survive?
Chirwa acknowledges that the current crop will retire soon and emphasised the need to have new blood.
He said much as they are trying to bring in new faces, he is frustrated with the behaviour of some parents.
Said Chirwa: “Some parents refuse to allow their children to engage in such dances but concentrate school.
“They think it is a waste of time to be involved in cultural dances than focus on school. Can you allow your school-going child to do traditional dances? That is what is happening here.”
Another issue is about the honala. With time, there are fears that after the current one the band is using may break down or wear out.
The manager said they are using new one, but they are struggling to acquire another.
He said: “Someone based in South Africa bought us one. But we needed to have another one to be comfortable, but he is asking for money. We need K850 000 and we are appealing to well-wishers to assist.
“But I can assure you that the group will continue even beyond the current crop. It has been there for 91 years now and will continue.”
In a separate interview, Senior Chief Mkumbira of Nkhata Bay said he is unsure about the future of Parker Town Band after the current members.
“It is something that we need to sit down and discuss. It is true that the current members may retire anytime and everyone wants the band to continue. But we need to sit down and discuss. It is a homework we need to carry out,” he said.
