Today, Friday is World Music Day also known as Fête de la Musique or Make Music Day, an annual music celebration.
Meanwhile, Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) says in a press statement that as a mark of respect and solidarity during this period of mourning in honour of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight other patriots, they have rescheduled World Music Day celebrations from today to August 29 2024.
“Originally slated for today, 21st June 2024, the event has been postponed to honour the memory of the nine patriots we lost and to join the nation to grieve appropriately,” reads the statement signed by Mum General Secretary Tonney Chitimatima.
He said the event on August 29, to be held in Lilongwe, will, among other things, feature a morning parade and a music party.
“This year’s theme ‘Harmony in Diversity: Celebrating the Unifying Power of Music’, will be embodied through performances by our talented artists,” reads the statement dated June 21 2024.
Several musicians have since called upon people to continue treasuring music.
United States of America (USA) based musician Faith Mussa, who is set to perform at a festival today in Lithuania as part of the 2024 International Anti-corruption Conference, wished fellow musicians in the country a happy World Music Day.
“Your unique sounds and rhythms enrich our lives and showcase the beauty of our culture. Thank you for your dedication and passion, which inspire and unite us. Keep creating and sharing your incredible talent with the world,” the ‘Mdidi’ star said.
Wendy Harawa, who has been instrumental in propelling the creative industry as a musician and is currently Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) board member, said music is a universal language that unites us all, regardless of class, colour or creed.
“So on World Music Day, I celebrate the power of music to inspire, uplift and bring people together across cultures and borders. To my fellow artists, let us keep making music that breaks barriers and fills hearts with joy,” Wendy said.
Lawi described music as life and that it needs to be celebrated.
“We see music in the dancing of nature and people. We all love the sound of music and cannot imagine a celebration without it. Happy World Music Day from the Warm Heart of Africa,” he said.
Jacaranda Cultural Centre (JCC) Director Luc Deschamps, whose centre has given a platform to creatives including music through Sounds of Malawi Acoustic Session every Thursday, said Fete de la Musique is a celebration of music around the world, where professional musicians but also amateurs, children and everyone who wishes to, come out on the street and public places to play instruments, sing, dance and perform.
“It is a joyous celebration of the power of music that brings people together. I remember, as a child in France, playing flute on the streets of my hometown with my friends. 1982 was the first Fete de la Musique. Then many countries adopted this celebration,” Deschamps said.
He said this year in Malawi; they celebrate Fete de la Musique through a special tribute showcase of Malawi in honour of Chilima and eight other fallen heroes which was held yesterday featuring Ndirande Anglican Voices, Jacaranda School for Orphans troupe and special appearance from Keturah.
“Music can heal, music can console. Music touches the hearts and the souls. Music is also made of rituals,” Deschamps said.
Sangie also wished fellow musicians the very best of World Music Day, calling upon them to continue doing what they do to their level best.
“This is a day we celebrate the art of making music. As artists, we need to use our platforms in building communities, promoting culture and uniting souls. Let us make use of this day to create, inspire and have fun with music,” she said.
Legendary musician Sir Paul Banda, who has been out of the limelight for some time due to illness, said Thursday that he misses the stage and that he hopes to return soon.
“I am getting better. I miss the stage but I am happy with the strides that musicians have made. Let us embrace music and support musicians. Let me take this opportunity to wish my brother Lucius all the best and a quick recovery,” he said.
Jazz maestro Erik Paliani said World Music Day continues to be a day where one is just jubilant.
“It is not an easy industry to be part of but having a day to celebrate it is enough recognition that it is important to the world. This is the time to reflect on the beauties of being an artist and also look on how we can make the industry better,” Paliani said.
He said this needs to be a day of discussion, celebration as well as reflecting on music in Malawi, its journey and how it has benefited musicians especially those in the village.
“Musicians in the villages have contributed a lot to what is being enjoyed today but they are overlooked. We need to have meetings, discussions and even have a big festival going forward,” Paliani said.
