The inaugural performance of Mwanayu ndi Wanu, an initiative by multiple artists to raise funds for Trpical Cyclone Freddy survivors, in Lilongwe raised K10.3 million.
In an interview, the initiative’s leader Michael Usi said they initially raised K5.6 million during the show held at Bingu International Convention Centre. However, after their performance, through pledges made during the show, the amount eventually hit K7 million.
He said: “But we also talked to other stakeholders to help us since we had some logistical issues amounting to K3 million. They came forward and paid. So, if we add that, the amount is coming to K10.3 million.”
Usi, who is Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, indicated that they are still waiting for more people to fulfill their pladges made during the first performance that took place in Lilongwe.
“My hope and prayer is that the figure is going to rise when all pledges are fulfilled,” he said.
Usi also announced that the play will this Sunday be staged at Robin’s Park in Blantyre for the same cause.
The actor-cum-politician said they have just changed the script a little to accommodate veteran actor Charles Mphoka who will join the cast.
“From the cast you can see that we have stars all over. I believe the audience and the actors will have a good time,” said Mphoka.
Mwanayu ndi Wanu is a play that narrates how marriages sometimes break or face challenges based on gossip and hearsay. It focuses on a family whose child is a topic of paternity controversy after rumours spread that the husband in the marriage is not the biological father.
Other actors in the play include Bon Kalindo, Jeremiah Mwaungulu, Ruth Simika, Margaret Chikwembeya, Ben Mkochi, Enifa Chiwaya and Ferguson Magona, among others”
