The free-of-charge Evison Matafale Memorial show pulled massive patronage in Blantyre on Sunday.
It was the 23rd edition of the memorial and, again, it attracted multitudes, turning Civil Ground, Gadaga, in Chileka into a beehive of activity.
People came from as far as Chirimba, Mbayani, Lunzu and Machinjiri townships to be part of the event.
The gods smiled on people on the day as the event, which is associated with rains, took place on a sunny day.
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Fans remained lively as they relished reggae and reggae dancehall sounds.
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Dust coming from the foot stamps engulfed the ground during the memorial show, which spilled over into the night.
Rastafarian colours of red, green, gold and black were visible during the memorial show, with others painting their faces.
Some patrons carried flags.
Black Missionaries’ lead singer Anjiru Fumulani was elated with the goings-on.
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“Chileka or Blantyre celebrates the life of Evison Matafale every year since his death but he was not for Chileka and Blantyre alone.
“He was for Malawi and this is why people continue to patronise the memorial show in large numbers. They come here on their own,” Anjiru said after the group’s performance.
Anjiru said Matafale alongside Musamude and Gift Fumulani laid the foundation for Black Missionaries, widely known as Ma Blacks.
“The support that we continue to get from people during our live performances comes from the groundwork they laid and, so, we continue the mission they started,” he said.
Anjiru also assured people that they would be dropping one or two songs before the end of the year.
“We apologise for not keeping up the promise but we will release one or two songs before the end of this year,” he said.
Anjiru described this year’s memorial show as different in that they had more artists on the lineup.
“Our preparations were good and this includes having a good stage and equipment.
“We are also thankful in that we had more artists including Phyzix, Malinga and Waliko Makhala,” he said.
The lead vocalist hailed people for maintaining order.
Anthony Mr Cool Makondetsa also said the memorial show continues to be well received.
“People look forward to the memorial every year,” Makondetsa, who plans to release a new album soon, said.
The memorial show is held on November 27 but, with the day falling midweek, they decided to shift it to December 1.
Matafale was a Rastafarian who used to speak for the oppressed.
His death on November 27 2001 shocked the country and a lot of people had fears that this would be the end of Black Missionaries.
But 23 years down the stroke, Black Missionaries is still active and enjoying the limelight.
Apart from Black Missionaries, Makondetsa, Malinga, Phyzix and Makhala, the other artists that performed included Khozie Masimbe, Moda Fumulani and Yanjanani Chumbu
