Celebrating Malawi's King of Reggae-Matafale

The 21st memorial music show will take place this year at Gadaga ground in Chileka, the home of Malawi's "reggae king."

Malawi: That was Wednesday, November 28, 2001, when people from all walks of life flocked to Chileka, on the outskirts of Blantyre City, to witness the interment of Malawi's reggae icon, Evison Matafale.

The music legend died on November 27, in the hands of police, days after they apprehended him in Chileka for questioning about a letter he wrote criticising then-President Bakili Muluzi's policies.

Following his death, the artist's reggae band, Black Missionaries, began an annual music concert to honour and celebrate the legendary gifted music maestro's life and achievements.

The perennial show, known for its live performances, also pays tribute to other fallen members, such as Musamude and Gift Fumulani, who died years later.

The 21st memorial music show will take place this year at Gadaga ground in Chileka, the home of Malawi's "reggae king."

Anjiru Fumulani, lead vocalist and band leader of Black Missionaries, confirmed the event's return to AfricaBrief on Friday.

"Yes, I can confirm that the memorial show will be held on Sunday, November 27th," Anjiru said.

In an interview with another journalist, Anjiru stated that the late Matafale's spirit is with the group members as they carry on the artist's mission.

"We thank God for being with us as we carry on the mission that Evison Matafale began. We're here because he made the path clear. Although he (Matafale) is not physically present, he is always present in spirit. Black Missionaries would not exist without him. We are grateful to him for teaching us everything we do today," he said.

Evison Matafale, born November 20, 1969, rose to prominence in 2000 with the release of Kuimba 1, an album he recorded in 1999 with the Wailing Brothers band.

He then made a comeback with Kuimba 2, an album he co-produced with Black Missionaries.

Matafale died at the age of 32. Before his passing, the musician released a single, 'Time Mark' tribute to terrorist attack victims on September 11, in the US.

He left an uncompleted third album. In 2010, former president Bingu wa Mutharika, on Independence Day, honoured Evison Matafale with the "Achiever of Malawi Order of National Achiever Award."