Chichiri Prison Cultural Troupe impresses
Chichiri Prison Cultural Troupe was the centre of attraction during the launch of the Chiphwando Cha Ndakatulo DVD at Blantyre Cultural Centre on Sunday afternoon.
The DVD was for the Chiphwando Cha Ndakatulo which was held at the same venue in December last year.
The DVD saw sever al people buying it with the highest being comedian Michael Usi popularly known as Manganya, who got the DVD at K200,000.
The comedian attracted cheers from the audience who wanted him to perform but also dance to the ‘Undibelekere Mwana,’ which is currently enjoying airplay in most of the local radio stations.
But he told the audience that much as he was an artist, he had come not to perform but to watch others perform.
Apart from Manganya, the DVD was also bought by gospel musicians Thocco Katimba, who got it at K20,000 and Princess Chitsulo, who got it at K10,000.
While Katimba only came on stage to buy the DVD, Chitsulo bought the DVD but she also performed.
Coming to Chichiri Prison Cultural Troupe, the group which is made up of inmates and prison officials excited people with their package of traditional dances that the impressive audience appreciated.
They added colour to the event giving the audience a different taste of talent and no wonder the audience didn’t want to let them go.
The troupe scored points during the event as it dished several traditional performed in different parts of the country and they included Beni from the Southern region, Gule Wamkulu from the Central region and Vimbuza from the Northern region.
Through the traditional dances they reminded the audience the importance of preserving culture.
Public Relations Officer Mike Mpopo said they started the troupe longer time ago with an aim of exposing talent from the prisoners.
“We are excited to be here and the support which people gave us as you know this is a troupe made up of inmates and prison officials. We started this troupe in 2011 and we have been entertaining people for some time,” said Mpopo.
He said that this was a programme which was happening in all the prisons which is aimed at empowering the inmates as well as transform.
“There are other programmes taking place such as carpentry but we thought of doing something different and that brought us to doing traditional dances which we are doing so well,” said Mpopo.
He said through the initiative inmates have changed and that many would now go out there once released and do something.
Apart from a performance from Chichiri Prison Cultural Troupe, people enjoyed poetry from several renowned poets among them Raphael Sitima, Samuel Joseph, Sylvester Kalizang’oma and Lukia Chikopa.
There were also performances from GYV dancers, musician Ronald Thamakera and comedians with presidential mimickers Atcheya, Puludzu, Mr Malawi and Aunt Geti closing the event.
Blessings Cheleuka, who organised the event said they were satisfied with the performances as well as the turnout and that they will continue to bring out the best as well as giving poets and other artists a platform.
Manganya described the event as rich and that people sampled a variety of activities.
“It’s my first time to watch a poetry feast but I must say I am impressed. There is talent in Malawi which just needs support otherwise I have enjoyed it,” he said.
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