C.O. introduces music against malaria initiative
Musician Code Sangala now known as C.O. on Thursday announced the introduction of the music against malaria initiative which he said is aimed at fighting malaria.
The singer and guitarist on Thursday performed at Jacaranda Cultural Centre in Blantyre sharing the stage with ethno-musician Waliko Makhala and female singer Annemarie Quinn from United Kingdom.
This was the official kick-off of C.O.’s malaria tour which he intends to raise K10 million out of the estimated budget of K30 million for the rehabilitation of the Pediatric Accidents and Emergency Ward at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
The show attracted an impressive audience that enjoyed the performances from start to finish with Waliko opening the night followed by Annemarie and C.O. and his The Tribe Band as the headliner closed the chapter.
The former Big Brother Africa (BBA) representative said malaria is one of the diseases which is killing a lot of people hence using his talent to fight the disease.
“The journey into this initiative dates back to 2007 when I started donating different items to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre. At some point I suffered from malaria and nearly died and so I have been keen on the plight of malaria,” he said.
He observed that there was so much focus on other diseases on the ground and yet malaria was killing a lot of people.
“The focus when I was starting the initiative was on prevention but now after meeting officials from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, there was a need to address the issue of overcrowding,” C.O. said.
He said a lot of patients were being treated at the hospital and so now the major issue is contributing towards the rehabilitation or refurbishment of the entire department.
“I am earmarking 10 districts to tour and as I said, tonight marks the official kick-off and this has also coincided with Jacaranda Cultural Centre launching a beautiful stage for performances,” he said.
The musician, who performed for a long time offering several songs, said he has now introduced the music against malaria where people can be able to make contributions in the fight against malaria.
Quinn said it is important for artists to play a role in different causes and hailed C.O. for the music against malaria initiative.
“It was good to share the stage with Malawian artists in this malaria initiative. I would like to thank Jacaranda Cultural Centre for giving us this platform and I say thank you to the people for showing up. It was amazing,” Quinn said.
Maison de la France and JCC deputy director, Daisy Belfield, also thanked people for their support during the event.
“At Jacaranda Cultural Centre we among others offer French lessons and promote French culture and language. We also promote culture and that is celebrating and promoting and investing in Malawian culture,” Belfield said.
She said that Malawi is portrayed as one of the poorest countries in the world but it was only economical.
“This is only economical but in terms of cultural heritage Malawi is one of the world’s best. We are happy to host C.O. on this malaria cause,” she said.
The show was on a Thursday but people came out as if it was on a weekend.
Jacaranda School for Orphans Executive Director Luc Deschamps said it was an amazing concert and that Blantyre came alive in a very beautiful setting.
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