Thoko Suya leads worshippers in Freedom Day celebration

 Gospel musician Thoko Suya on Monday led worshippers in a Freedom Day celebration gig at Hills Garden in Limbe, Bantyre.

During the event praise, worship and gospel music took centre stage as Malawi celebrated 62 years of Independence.

The concert featured performances by the Matching Soldiers, Dream Centre International Assembly Praise Team and the Zambezi Evangelical Planter Joint Praise Team.

During the show, Suya took patrons through moments of reflection with some of her popular songs, including Pakhala mtendere, Thandwe long’ambika and Senza mtanda.

Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the event, Suya’s husband and manager, Bishop Chris Suya, said the concert was organised to

celebrate both Malawi’s political freedom and the spiritual freedom found in Jesus Christ.

“We are gathered here, inviting worshippers and people celebrating this freedom to celebrate it before Jesus as our Lord and Saviour because the freedom we are talking about also resonates well with the freedom that Jesus offered us when he died on the cross,” he said.

One of the patrons, Lucy Mhiche, said the gathering was an opportunity for Malawians to pray for the country and for those affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

“This is a time to pray for Malawi and also remember our fellow citizens who are fleeing xenophobia in South Africa,” she said.

Matching Soldiers member Mike Banda described the event as an emotional reunion with Suya after many years.

“Our history dates back about 18 to 20 years when we started ministering together. We trusted each other and grew together as gospel artists.

“We are grateful to be back and to launch our reunion today. We have been quiet for some time and people have been asking where we have been. This is a big comeback for us and we promise our fans the very best of the Matching Soldiers,” he said.