CHISHIMBA BWALYA
Lusaka
A CANDLELIGHT memorial led by various artistes on Wednesday at Lusaka Playhouse in honour of former President Edgar Lungu has delivered yet another major call for unity among citizens as the country mourns the departed former head of State.
Organised as a follow-up to the initial event held last week, the show, spearheaded by Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM), drew participation from a number of arts bodies which included National Arts Council and Comedian Association of Zambia, among others.
Disruptions in power supply and poor time-keeping meant that the event billed for 18:00 hours, did not start until 90 minutes later.
But it was not long after the show started that the arena came to life, with whistles and dances from a near full capacity audience that had braved a somewhat chilling temperature on Tuesday.
Having comedian Chibwe Katebe as host also meant that the event was seamlessly blended with solemnity and humour, leaving people in high spirits throughout the show.
And there was more.
The first musical performance was a tribute song to the late former President, performed by prophetess Gloria, who sang “Bwela” alongside prophetess Joy.
Ladies in Arts and Gospel Acts led by Mweshi Mulusa performed in succession before another power disruption caused a brief halt to activities.
But the Gospel Acts group which comprised the likes of gospel sensation Suwilanji ensured the rest of the performance continued even in the absence of electric powered instruments.
ZAM said the event was a chance for unity in the industry and the country.
“This helps bridge the gap between associations,” ZAM vice-president KB Killa Beats (Yahya Kaba) said. In his welcome remarks, ZAM president Brian Bwembya (B’Flow), who equally emphasised the need for togetherness, underscored the desire for artistes to be united.
“Thank you for your sacrifice for this collective effort. We are here to preach unity and show it to the nation.
He added: “Preach love, spread love in everything that you do. We should meet as artists andcollaborate so that we create energies.”
However, the night, did not pass without its moments ofintrigue from some attendees.
Logic (Cosmas Ng’andwe), who is a northerner, warned that the night might not end well forsome of the guests, in reference to the symbolic application of white powder on easterners during the mourning period.
“I have mealie meal in the car, it might not end well for some of the individuals here.”
The comedian, who has been Acapella awards coming on rampage on social media soon had his high-profile victim in ZAM publicity secretary Cray Jay (Edmond Miti).
