Artists for Martyr’s Day celebration

Some artists have come together to celebrate this year’s Martyr’s Day on March 3 through music, dance and theatre.

In separate interviews, the artists said the day is of great importance to the country’s history which if well understood can shape and influence the future.

Ethnomusicologist Waliko Makhala, who will perform in Lilongwe at Evergreen Cafe alongside Afro-spiritual musician Nyago, said the day should be celebrated in an African way.

“The men and women who lost their lives while fighting for our freedom are our ancestors who should be celebrated with song and dance. We are not supposed to be sad, but celebrate their bravery,” he said.

Makhala said he has teamed up with Codi and Nyago for the free show because they felt it is not right to cash in on dead heroes.

“It will be a free show because it is a celebration. In our African way, we do not pay for a celebration. We just celebrate and that should be our way of remembering our martyrs, especially those who are less known,” he said.

On her part, Nyago said as a spiritualist, she finds the event befitting as it will give her an opportunity to honour ancestors who died for the country’s freedom.

“I have always said my music is a calling and not really for commercial purposes. The ancestors called me and I will not disappoint them. On this day, we will honour them for their role in the freedom we are enjoying today,” she said.

Nyago said her playlist on the day will include Mizimu, Kamzanga and Bible, among other songs.

Another activity that will take place on the day is a theatre production by Youth Developers Collaboration, called Operation Mandala:1915.

In an interview, the playwright Fumbani Phiri said as theatre artists, it is their role to celebrate the day using their storytelling talent.

“As the voice of the society, we will use our voice to reflect on what our forefathers sacrificed for our freedom. There were many who are until today not celebrated, but played crucial roles during the time. The play will highlight all that of course with John Chilembwe being part of the story,” he said.

Phiri said Malawians should know that theatre is back and they should patronise the event at Jacaranda Cultural Centre which will also incorporate music.

Martyr’s Day is a public holiday in Malawi, set aside to honour political heroes who were arrested and killed between March 3 1959 to June 16 1960 following riots against the British colonial government rule.