By Mirrium Fumulani

Balaka, December 1, MANA: As the year draws close to an end, Black Missionaries Band organized its annual memorial ceremony of late Evison Matafale, a talented musician who passed away in 2001.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of his untimely death, and the Black Missionaries has continued their cherished tradition of holding a memorial ceremony to celebrate a life well lived of their fallen hero.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Sunday, Black Missionaries group leader Anjiru Fumulani, said every year they come together to remember late Evison Matafale who is the founder of the black Missionaries group, not just for the music he created, but for the joy he brought into their lives.

“This ceremony is a way for us to keep his spirit alive and to share his love for music with others,” said Anjiru Fumulani.

This event is celebrated on 27 November which is the day that late Evison Matafale died but the memorial ceremony has been shifted to 1 December, so that a lot of people attend as it is a weekend.

"As we are celebrating the life of Evison Matafale, we also remembered our family members who were also part of The Black Missionaries, late Musamude Fumulani and late Gift Fumulani.

“We always feel loved and supported by our fans for many people travel from far to participate in the event, which has become a poignant reminder of the impact late Evison Matafale had on their lives and the Malawi music industry.

On his part, Chizondi Fumulani, who is also a member of the famous Black Missionaries Band, thanked the Malawi nation for the love the band receives since the demise of their father and founder.

“This event is not a small event to us like the show events we always have; it’s about celebrating the life he lived and the music he shared and we will ensure that his legacy continues to inspire others, just as it inspires us,” he said.

The ceremony took place in Blantyre Chileka at Civil ground where well-known artists like Black Missionaries, Antony Makondetsa, Phyzix and Malinga celebrated with them and sang as part of the celebration.