By Henry Chulu:
Reggae fans smiled throughout from Saturday night to the early hours of Sunday as they were nourished with reggae vibes during the 2023 Reggae Jam Music Festival held at Grand Business Park in Lilongwe.
This was a huge festival that fetched people from all walks of life and, being a reggae event, most of them were clad in Rastafarian colours of yellow, green and black.
No wonder, Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule took to her Facebook page where she posted herself dressed in an attire with Rastafarian colours while appreciating the event.
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“It is with immense joy and excitement that I stand before you at the Jah Kings Reggae Jam Festival, celebrating not only the captivating rhythms of reggae music but also the unifying spirit of Rastafarian culture,” Kamtukule said.
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She described the festival as a powerful example of “how music and culture have the ability to transcend borders and bring people from Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Germany and beyond to join us in harmony”.
Organised by Jah Kings Promotions, the festival left no stone unturned as the audience were served with reggae of diverse tangs, with Jamaican stars Luciano, popularly known as Jah Messenger, and Everton Blender among the performers.
While Luciano and Blender were the main focus, local acts also stepped up their gear to entertain people and these included Blasto, Don Tarz, Queen Fyah, Chizmo Njuchi, Annie Matumbi and Tuff Lions Band, which opened the show followed by Blender and, then, Jah Messenger while Black Missionaries closed the curtain.
Blender presented an energetic performance that was cemented by his dance antics and his menu included songs such as “I Love Jah Jah’, ‘Blow Your Nose’, ‘Blend Dem’, ‘You Make It If You Try’ and ‘Ghetto People Song’.
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The Jamaican artist, who was debuting, spared some time to advice people not to be afraid of taking risks whenever they want to achieve something.
“Jah people, I urge you to try any possible way so that you can make it in life. Understand that it is not easy but you do not need to give up,” he said.
While it was the first outing for Blender to perform in the country, it was a different story for Luciano, whose last performance was in 2014.
The ‘No Night in Zion’ maker kept the audience lively with songs that promote peace and love.
“I am humbled by the support given; this is, for sure, my second home. This festival is where you can find love and peace; so, thanks to the organisers of the event,” he said.
Lilongwe City Mayor Richard Banda commended organisers for hosting a well-organised festival.
Senior Priest Rasta Fred Mwanamanga, who was part of organising team, said part of the proceeds from the festival would go towards construction of a tabernacle in Kawale, Lilongwe.
