Matafale memorial show November 24
The moment of sorrow and honour to fallen reggae music heroes through music returns this year with celebrations slated for Chileka in Blantyre on November 24.
The event was initially mooted by the Black Missionaries Band as a memorial to their mentor, slain reggae legend Evison Matafale,but it soon evolved to remember the souls of their departed kin Musamude and Gift Fumulani.
Matafale died in police custody on November 27, 2001.
And, as is the tradition every year since November 2002, Rastafarians tunes and insignia will lace the show.
The venue is the popular Mankhwokwe Ground a stone’s throw away from Chileka Airport.
“The show is on and as usual, we have planned a lot of activities for the day. It will be a big day as we mark another chapter of our celebrations after celebrating 10th anniversary in the last two shows. Matafale’s death continues to rule our music and each and every year we remember him differently, but with the same theme,” said current Black Missionaries leader Anjiru Fumulani.
However, for the first time the show will attract various artists from all the three regions of the country.
“Matafale is loved by people from all corners of the country and weknow some musicians want to be part of the memorial show. We want to give them the chance this year and we have approached at least an artist from each region,”said Black Missionaries manager Ras Ray Harawa.
He said they will announce a complete list of artists to perform at the show in a week’s time once all contracts have been signed.
Harawa added that they are working on having the event shot live into videos which can be sold to people to watch in their homes.
“Matafale’s history is important to the history of the country’s music and we believe by keeping historical events in DVDs helps to keep the stories alive. Some people do not know the complete story about Matafale and his late cousins Gift and Musamude and through DVDs they can learn it all and know how we celebrate their lives,” said Harawa.
