By Tiyese Monjeza & Sam Banda Jnr:
Organisers of the annual Chiwanja cha Ayao Cultural Festival have budget for K70 million to successfully execute this year’s event.
The festival will be held at Mangochi Stadium on October 21.
Chiwanja cha Ayao Secretary General Sanudi Kumbemba said they have started fundraising activities to raise the K70 million.
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“This is a huge amount but we expect to raise it. We call upon well-wishers to support this drive, which is aimed at promoting and preserving our culture. We appeal to Yaos and Malawians of other ethnic groups to come and celebrate with us,” Kumbemba said.
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Paramount Chief Kawinga said the annual event is helping in preservation of the Yao culture.
“This festival is there to celebrate the Yao culture, showcase our identity; and this is also there to contribute to the development of the country,” Kawinga said.
Last year, the festival, which was held at the same venue and attended by President Lazarus Chakwera, was characterised by several activities including traditional dances.
Meanwhile, Chiwanja cha Ayao members Wednesday visited legendary musician Giddes Chalamanda, popularly known as Agidde, in Mazuwa Village in Chiradzulu.
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The members donated food items such as bail of sugar, bag of maize flour, cooking oil and chickens to the veteran musician, who was recently admitted to Chiradzulu District Hospital.
“Agidde has done a lot for the country, in terms of music,” a member of National Executive Committee, Alex Chimwala, said.
Chimwala asked the country to support the 93- year old musician in his old age.
During a visit by Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) leaders recently, the ‘Che Meli’ and ‘Linny’ star called for support from well-wishers saying he was not making any money in the absence of live performances as he was still recuperating.
“I am thankful to Chiwanja cha Ayao for the gesture which I do not take for granted,” Agidde, who entertained the group with some songs backed by his son Cliff, said.
In attendance during the donation was veteran musician Paul Ntoliro of the ‘Abiti Malembe’ fame, who is also a member of Chiwanja cha Ayao.
