Zakumudzi Festival impresses

From he first performance to the last one, there was never a dull moment during the inaugural Zakumudzi Festival at Jacaranda Cultural Centre in Mandala, Blantyre on Friday night.

The event, which started at around 7pm, opened with a scintillating performance by Chichiri Cultural Heritage Troupe.

The group performed chisamba before switching to gulewamkulu to the delight of patrons.

The carefully choreographed performance was spiced up by the use of traditional kitchen utensils such as winnowers, pestles and brooms.

Next, ethnomusicologist Waliko Makhala took over and introduced his ‘bush music’ to the patrons. He played several songs before winding up with Zapadziko, a song originally done by Stonald Lungu.

Code Sangala took the stage and shook things a bit after playing some oldies. He then did his classic Bwenzi Langa which made patrons take to the dance floor.

Code also did Mukunama and Kumazore, among others.

Next on the line up was Madalitso Band which brought its A game on stage just to show Malawians what they did in France weeks ago.

The last performance came from Lulu who opened with Ukukanika Bwanji Kukhululuka, Hanna and other popular hits from his various albums.

But it was when he did Kwathu Ku Ndirande with host Code Sangala that patrons were excited more.

 “We are here to celebrate our culture and remember special people who contributed to the entertainment industry,” said Code at the beginning of the event.

Special guest was Miss Culture Malawi Memory Sanjila who was seen dancing and enjoying the music throughout the night.

The event was organised by Music Against Malaria, Art Malawi, Jacaranda Cultural Centre and Mibawa Television.