Blantyre Cultural Centre on Sunday played host to a poetry and comedy show that attracted a good audience despite having other shows in the heart of the commercial city including the Urban Music People (UMP) Festival.
The show proved that poetry and comedy has a large following who enjoyed the performances from start to finish.
There were some showers in between the performances but this could not keep away the people from enjoying the acts.
Poet Madalitso Nyambo was the master of ceremonies and handled the responsibility with ease and kept people active throughout.
There was even a moment when Nyambo showed his dancing skills as he danced with one of the female fans attracting applause from the audience.
Raphael Sitima, Samuel Joseph, Yohane Pangani, Hudson Chamasowa, Joseph Madzedze, Sylvester Kalizang’oma and Luckier Chikopa were some of the poets, who entertained people on the day.
As has been the case with many poetry gatherings, people were also treated to fun by presidential mimickers Mr Malawi, Atcheya and Aunt Geti and Nancy and Che Nkope.
Despite enjoying a fair share of the audience, poets still have more room for improvement.
“I have enjoyed the show. The last time I attended a poetry gathering was a long time ago. It’s a good family entertainment. But my appeal to poets is let them be more creative and also strive to bring fresh material,” said a poetry fan Bernard Sabwera.
While also appreciating the talents of the presidential mimickers, Sabwera said they also need to dig deeper by researching different stories.
Mr Malawi, who imitates former President the late Bingu wa Mutharika described it as a good event and that people supported them.
“This is what we always long for, good audiences. Such audiences motivate us to bring out more,” he said.
Sitima famed for the poem ‘Chala Changa’ also said the support was massive.
“The impressive audience today has just shown that people are in love with poetry and comedy. We had fears especially with the rains and also looking at the dates people have not yet received their pay,” Sitima said.
The poet, who revealed that he is currently working on Chala Changa DVD to come out anytime soon, said with the support received, it was time for them to work extra hard to come out with quality works.
One of the organisers of the event Chikondi Chapambana also hailed people for the support.
“Blantyre has come out today. We didn’t anticipate such support. The artists also did not disappoint. We intend to be hosting this event every year,” Chapambana said.
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