Celebration mood
As Malawi celebrates 54 years of independence tomorrow, the arts world has lined up a variety of cultural events on the day.
With the main event marking the independence celebrations taking place in Mzuzu, fun lovers in the Southern Region will not be left behind.
In Blantyre, the Blantyre Cultural Centre (BCC) will play host to a cultural afternoon of music, drama and dancing.
The cultural feast has attracted performances from Kwathu Drama Group, Dikamawoko Cultural Troupe and live acoustic music by Kukana Kuba Kasambwe Band.
Kwathu Drama Group director Eric Mabedi said it is their wish to make the event an annual do as a celebration of the country’s culture and the strides the arts industry has made since independence.
He said: “Sometimes, we as concerned parties from different sectors should take a lead in initiating things like these not just waiting upon the State. The Independence Day is a good moment to take stock of the gains we have made and how we can improve.”
Kwathu Drama Group will perform their 2017 production Chaulele which, according to Mabedi, continues to receive positive feedback.
Kukana Kuba Kasambwe Band leader Joseph Banda said they are geared to give people the best performance on the day.
“This is a special moment for us Malawians as we celebrate our Independence Day. It will, therefore, only be proper to give out a performance that will cap the mood in the most befitting way possible,” he said.
Traditional dances such as manganje, gule wamkulu and beni are also expected to take centre stage.
According to www.manaonline.gov.mw, the main celebrations will be characterised by police military displays, traditional dances and a football match between Moyale Barracks Football Club and Be Forward Wanderers.
Regional celebrations will take place at Independence Arch in Blantyre and at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
National Police deputy spokesperson Kingsley Dandaula has assured Malawi of security during the events. n
