The rastafarian community in Lilongwe on Friday celebrated the coming of reggae maestro Burning Spear in big walk dubbed Welcome Burning Spear Big Walk.
The walk, organised by local coordinators of the One People Africa Tour, took place ahead of the Jamaican’s performance at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on October 26.
Most rastafarians wore red, green, and gold colours and walked from Kawale-Nyabhingi Theocracy Reign (Rastafarian Tabernacle) in Area 17 in Kawale, through Kamuzu Central Hospital Roundabout, past Game Complex up to Lilongwe Community Ground.
In an interview, South African-based reggae artist and one of the event’s organisers Born Afrikan said they want many people to know about Spear’s coming.
He said: “Burning Spear will perform in the country this Saturday and we wanted people to know that and be part of this history.
“It is not all the time that we have such great artists coming to perform. This is an opportunity for reggae lovers to experience the best.”
Born Afrikan, real name Nelson Shaba, arrived in the country last Wednesday to help coordinate the event and is scheduled to perform at the show.
In a separate interview, Nyabhingi Kawale Centre chairperson and priest Alfred Mwanamanga said they participated in the big walk because they recognise Spear as a custodian of rastafarian levity.
“He is not just an artist, but is also a messenger of peace. As rastafarians, it is our duty to honour him because he speaks about peace, harmony and love through his music,” he said.
The walk ended with performances by Nyabhingi Chanting Choir, Positive Yut and Komuniq.
Spear has already performed in South Africa and Zimbabwe and after Malawi, he will perform in Zambia and Kenya.
Local artists such as Billy Kaunda, Skeffa Chimoto, Sangie, Black Missionaries and Anthony Makondetsa will also perform.
