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Rains mar BAF open night

Giddes Chalamanda perform at the opening
Giddes Chalamanda perform at the opening

The weatherman had it right. As predicted, last Friday had heavy rainfall. The downpour, doused the spirit of the first day of the Blantyre Arts Festival (BAF).

Yet, that was no reason to stop the international and local artists from dishing out their best for the patrons.

The leaking Blantyre Cultural Centre auditorium could not stop patrons from enjoying Zambia’s Napsa theatre opening the festival. Their play brought to light the reality of love: that no matter what in-laws can do to control their kith and kin’s marriage, a man and his wife are masters of their own romantic fate.

The tide went higher when poets under the Poetry Association of Malawi enriched the drenched mood with their lines and verses, bringing out deep language and rich culture.

Things got even better when musicians took turns on the ampitheatre. South African group, Josh Meck proved their mettle with their afro-jazz and pop pieces.

Fikisa, under the guidance of their rubber-bodied frontman Godfrey Thom, wowed the patrons with their kungwe beats.

It was Zimbabwe’s Mokoomba Band that proved unity and concerted energy can bring harmonious sounds. With a highly energetic performance, the group kept patrons on their feet, before paving the way for Skeffa Chimoto who performed until the early hours of Saturday morning.

“In spite of the foul weather, which led to low patronage on the opening night, we are glad artists gave their all,” said BAF director Thomas Chibambo.

Sharing the view, Chimoto only said: “Although the audience was a let-down, we enjoyed dishing out the vibes to such a receptive audience.”

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