Reunion as Blacks perform with Wailing Brothers

Reggae music is not a competition. It is rather a mission to promote peace, love and unity as was demonstrated by the Black Missionaries and The Wailing Brothers at Squirrels Park in Mzuzu on Sunday night.

It was the first time the  groups performed together since guitarist Takudziwani Chokani and drummer Paul Chokani left the Black Missionaries last November to revive The Wailing Brothers.

The performance was organised by Mzuzu-based music promoter Keliophas Tobias who owns Squirrels Park.

Patrons might have been expecting the bands to outshine each other given what was said after their separation, but they preached love and unity.

And towards the end of the show, Taku and Paul reunited with their former band to perform three songs, among them Yang’ana Nkhope.

Musician Anthony Makondetsa also returned to the city after missing a number of shows due to sickness.

The Mu Yuda hit-maker was not in his usual self as he lacked the energy he is known for and his voice was not impressive. He apologised to the fans, saying flu had taken the better of him.

The show was highly patronised despite being pegged at K4 000, higher than the K2 500 which patrons pay for the most expensive show in the city.

Black Missionaries leader Anjiru Fumulani said the performance—which was interrupted by a power cut—proved wrong those who thought there is enmity between the Blacks and The Wailing Brothers.

“People think that we are enemies. We are a family. We chat and do several things together. That has been proved tonight through this performance. We need to promote messages of love rather than encouraging hatred. There is no benefit in holding grudges against one another,” he said.

The Wailing Brothers leader Taku said music is not a competition, but a mission to unite people of different races and ethnic groups. n