Former Blantyre City mayor Noel Chalamanda on Saturday hailed artist Penjani Kalua, popularly known as Fredokiss, describing him as an epitome of inspiration for all the works he is doing through music.
Chalamanda made the remarks at The Underground, formerly M-Theatre in Blantyre, where he was the guest of honour during the premiere of Fredokiss’ documentary titled In the Hands of the Young: Music As A Tool for Social Change.
“We have all seen through this documentary what Fredokiss has done and it is only right for me to brand him an epitome of inspiration,” Chalamanda said.
The former mayor said Malawi has the talent and manpower; hence, the youth have to rise up and “do what we must do to be better”.
“We have the wisdom and the intelligence, so why are we the third poorest country in the world? We are the people that like to complain and do nothing about it. Today, after watching this documentary, we must think twice, we can change our situation,” Chalamanda said amidst applause from the impressive audience.
He said music is in the hands of the youth and “let music stay with us, that is where it belongs”.
“Music is not just sound, it is a powerful tool of communication, it can make or break, it can start wars, it can bring love and it depends on how you handle it,” the former mayor said.
Chalamanda and his wife bought the DVD at K300,000.
The former mayor also hinted that he would link up with Fredokiss to embark on an initiative of collecting old clothes to be donated needy.
The award-winning musician, who is Unicef’s champion for children and NBS Bank ambassador, thanked people for patronising the premiere.
“The documentary is aimed at motivating and inspiring aspiring musicians. The documentary is showing how powerful music is for social change in the hands of the younger ones,” Fredokiss said.
In attendance during the premiere was his father Kamlepo Kalua, who is a Member of Parliament, who bought a DVD at $700 .
His mother, sisters, uncles and other relatives were also in attendance.
The documentary is truly inspiring in that it tells the life of Fredokiss, the journey he has travelled to be where he is today.
There were other people who also got the DVD at K100,000.
The musician, through his Ghetto Gutter Entertainment held free concerts in the three cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu which pulled huge audiences.
The musician said some of the funds realised during the sale of the DVD will go towards the scholarship fund.
Fredokiss has since said Ghetto Gutter Entertainment will continue being creative in its programmes and that its artists will soon put out new music.
Some of the musicians Fredokiss has released include ‘Dear Jah Jah’,and ‘Achina Fredo’.
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