Other artists cash out at Blacks shows

Go to any Black Missionaries show today and you are sure to find several artists selling handmade shoes, woolen scarfs and hats designed in mostly the Malawian flag or the Rastafarian flag.

It has now become a tradition that at every show where the reggae icons are performing, the business people take advantage of such shows and peddle accessories such as bracelets, hats and hair oil to the revllers.

For Shupikile Chirwa, who started the business in 2011, there has been an improvement in her life as she is able to support her family.

“My friend introduced me to this business and right now it is all thanks to her because I now make money out of this business during such shows. Regardless of low or huge patronages during the shows, I still make money,” she said.

Chirwa sells socks, knitted hats, bracelets and hair oil.

The socks are purchased in Tanzania while she makes the other items. She sells the hats at K1 500, socks and bracelets at K500 and hair oil at K1 500.

Ras Symon Nukwa, who is also into the business, says it is anything to go by as he makes good money.

“I am able to support my family through this business. I have been doing this business for quite some time and if the opportunity continues to avail itself, I will continue doing this because it has been able to sustain me,” he said.

Added Nukwa: “Besides making money, the Rastafarian culture is put on the limelight since most of the art works we sell are made using Rastafarian colours.