By Chris Loka & Jonas Nyasulu:
People are in for a treat Thursday as a number of shows have been lined up across the country as part of celebrating Malawi’s 59th independence anniversary.
In Lilongwe for instance, Flood Church Malawi returns to the fold with the Ufulu Festival, 2023 to be held at Gateway Mall.
The free-of-charge festival, whose focus is on celebrating culture, creativity and freedom, will kick off with aerobics early in the morning before stepping in with performances featuring acts such as Faith Mussa, Eli Njuchi, Kelvin Sings, Sir Creedy Neo Metalz, Provoice, Asabu, Forus Crew, Paul Kachala, Seven O More, Leslie, Dunstan Kapitapita and Cozizwa.
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Producer of the festival, Pastor Dali Mizaya, said people should expect a fun-filled day.
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“Through this festival, we are also celebrating our independence. This is a place where people will also appreciate creativity. This is also the place to encounter true freedom through Jesus Christ,” Mizaya said.
He said Ufulu Festival is an annual event they started hosting in 2014 and that they were happy with the strides they have made over the years.
As one of the acts on the line-up, Leslie called upon people to patronise the festival and celebrate the country’s independence in style.
“I promise to give out the best and I cannot wait to jump on stage on Thursday (tomorrow),” she said.
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At Jacaranda Cultural Centre in Blantyre, Katelele Ching’oma of the ‘Kuwoniwa’ fame will star at the Sounds of Malawi Acoustic Session Thursday whereas at Stephanos Lodge in Mulanje, people will be treated to Ufulu showdown featuring music, drama and poetry as part of independence celebrations.
Some of the artists performing at the event include Zambia’s General Kanene, Giboh Pearson, Jay Jay Cee, Skeffa Chimoto, Sly C, Joe Gwaladi, Raphael Sitima and Joseph Madzedze.
At Chill Spot in Mchinji Thursday, artists featuring mostly gospel musicians will share the stage to celebrate independence.
Dubbed Independence Celebration Gospel Show, the concert, organised by musician Brenda Onsewa, will see, for the first time, the appearance of Lloyd Phiri after a long break.
The last time the veteran gospel musician and producer starred at a live show was during the launch of his Sachedwa Safulumira album at Sheaffer Marquee in Lilongwe in 2013.
“This event is a great time to preach the word of God through music,” Phiri said.
Onsewa said Tuesday that, apart from ministering the gospel on this special day, the event is aimed at bringing people together and in one spirit, reflect on what the country has achieved in the past years.
“We will also have a special time to pray together with people who are going through various challenges,” she said.
Some of the musicians set to perform on the day include Favoured Martha, Allan Chirwa, Evance Meleka, Maggie Mangani, Kondwani Chirwa, Alex Nkalo, Henry Masamba, Frank Mbando, Debbie, Carol Kadzuwa, Mable Lwanda, Heaven Ambassadors Champions and Pastor Lenard.
