Black Missionaries lead guitarist launches Jacaranda Lounge on Africa Day
Renowned Black Missionaries lead guitarist Takudziwani Chokani and his wife Chigo, will on May 25, which happens to be Africa Day, open Jacaranda Lifestyle Lounge in Mzuzu.
The two artists have taken over management of Jacaranda Bar at Mimosa Court Hotel and according to Takudziwani, they want through the place to give artists a chance to showcase their talents.
When Taku, as he is fondly known by his fans, relocated to Mzuzu with his family earlier this year, the move came as a surprise to many who have followed his 23-year music journey; from his maiden days with the Wailing Brothers and his late cousin Evison Matafale, to the internationally celebrated Black Missionaries.
But for Taku, change is a welcome part of life that offers one a clean canvas on which to draw one’s own destiny.
“My journey began when I was 12 years old and my elder brother Elias formed the Wailing Brothers Band along with my brother Paul, cousin Evison, myself and others. Both Elias and Evison are gone but I am as committed to the mission that brought us together then,” he said.
The 35-year old Takudziwani is opening Jacaranda after a two months experience of life in the Northern region city and he says this is part of putting his entrepreneurial skills to use.
“It has always been my dream to have a space where I can offer artists a platform to share their talents and build relationships. Mzuzu has always been left out of many creative activities with only few places in the city for artistic interaction. People, including event organisers, tend to consider Blantyre and Lilongwe more for arts and business events,” he says.
The artist said he and his wife are ready to help put Mzuzu on the country’s map.
Taku, who is also the director of Gumba Afrika Productions, said through Jacaranda they want to bring a diverse group of people together in one place.
He added that they are launching the place on Africa Day, which falls on May 25 to commorate the formation of the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) as one way of symbolising “our identity and affirm our commitment to promoting unity in Malawi.”
Takudziwani said they will be hosting different activities at the place such as poetry, drama and music.
“On the night of the launch we also have several activities for instance we will screen a film titled Alufeyo.
There will also be poetry by my wife Chigo and Yankho Seunda, artists Anne Matumbi and Ken Phiri,” he said.
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