The spirits for the annual Khulubvi Arts and Cultural Festival have always been high since its foundation.
However during its sixth edition over the weekend at Nsanje Prison Ground, it showed that the fiesta remains incoherent in its administration compounded by its bleeding budget.
Ahead of the festival which is rich in soul as observed through traditional dances, authentic music, drama and display of traditional food and other features, the organisers lamented the thin budget.
With a projected budget of K50 million, the organisers only managed to secure K5 million from Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (Magla) despite knocking on several doors.
But they decided to go ahead on a frayed shoestring compromising on a number of capacities although the audience savored the moments. “Our intentions are all about raising the profile of Shire Valley and so, with the small budget, we still decided to go ahead with the festival. Yes there were gaps but people have enjoyed the moments,” Khulubvi Arts and Cultural Festival Deputy Chairperson Timmy Kawiya, said.
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Principal Secretary responsible for Administration in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Francis Zhuwawo said the festival needs to up its game on organisation.
“There were delays and disorganization which they need to work on otherwise the activities are so rich.
I enjoyed the almost everything,” Zhuwawo said.
On the adequate support from the government, corporate world and wellwishers, he said organisers need to maximise on publicity and also continue reaching out to players.
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Despite the setbacks, the happenings ignited the festival and they included drama by Antonio, acrobatics and traditional dances which included Utse, Maseseto, Valimba and Gule Wamkulu. Running under the theme ‘Shire Valley, One People, Rich Heritage and Bright Future’, the festival also had music performances from among others, Agorosso, Lommie Mafunga, J Maga, Lyvwa of the ‘Mabongwe’ fame, Israel Chinga and Try Me Band.
Several budding artists also starred at the festival with old-timers Lucky Stars Band missing out.
“This is a good festival but it lives a lot to be desired in terms of organisation. It needs to do better,” Agorosso said after the festival.
This year some traditional leaders, who always grace the festival missed out as they patronised Kulamba Festival at Mkaika in Zambia which also happened the same weekend.
