Veteran artists team up to support their own
A group of veteran artists will tomorrow stage a fundraising show for ailing musicians Paul Banda and Boniface Ndamela of Lucky Stars at HS Winehouse in Blantyre.
The artists, comprising musicians Giddes Chalamanda, Patrick Simakweli and Snowden Ibu and poet Benedicto Okomaatani Malunga, will stage the show in partnership with HS Winehouse management.
HS Winehouse publicist Emmanuel Maliro said the show will complement efforts that others are doing to assist the artists. He said helping the two requires concerted efforts as their needs are huge.
“We just want to assist the veterans in any way we can. As you know, the Winehouse is the den of artists and it pains us to see them struggling. We have also opened up to other artists who would love to use our space for similar initiatives,” he said.
Banda, who has a kidney problem and requires treatment abroad, is attending dialysis sessions at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre. On the other hand, Ndamela is battling both ill-health and old age.
Ethnomusiocologist Waliko Makhala said of Ndamela: “He is almost destitute. His old age and physical disabilities have made it even harder for him to fend for himself. At that age, one is also prone to opportunistic illnesses.”
Musician Union of Malawi president Gloria Manong’a has since welcomed the efforts by various players to assist artists who are facing different challenges.
However, she said there is need for proper coordination.
“We have to ensure that people out there are not just taking advantage of the situation of their colleagues to abuse their status. They need to record their events with us so that we confirm whether the intended recipients receive the assistance,” she said.
