The Rastafari community in Malawi has announced plans to solidify the foundations of its faith and lifestyle by constructing a tabernacle in Kawale Township, Lilongwe.
The community’s members on Monday afternoon marched in Lilongwe to raise awareness on various projects they are undertaking. The projects include building of a prayer house and the upcoming Reggae Jam Festival organised by Jah Kings Promotion.
In an interview on Tuesday, a member of the Rastafari community, Richard ‘Elder Rich’ Chisala, said although the system continues to hinder the community, the rastafari faith is growing in Malawi.
“We want to build a prayer house for the Rastafari community to enable believers to come together. The government gave us this land along the Lilongwe River in Kawale,” he said.
Chisala said the movement is representing the interests of all the three Rastafari houses of Bobo Shanti, Twelve Tribes and the nyabinghi, which is considered as the oldest movement among all.
He claimed that for a long time, members of the faith have suffered from discrimination due to stereotypical narratives against the community’s lifestyle.
“As rastas we do a lot in terms of promoting our art and handiwork. We are resourceful and we are always helping each other to bring economic independence. Things are slowly changing, but it has been a difficult journey,” said Chisala.
He said Malawi’s association with reggae music is huge and that has a telling impact on its culture.
The Reggae Jam Festival, which is slated for October 28 at Grand Business Park along the Lilongwe West Bypass Road, will feature two Jamaican reggae music icons, Luciano and Everton Blender.
Elder Rich said the platform will help uplift the status of their community members by selling various merchandise during the festival. He also hinted on making the event an annual thing.
Jah Kings Promotion member Zilani Gondwe said: “This is a movement designed to celebrate reggae music and foster unity among reggae lovers. The concert also aims at creating international exposure by uniting reggae artists from Malawi and Jamaica.” n
Additional reporting by Chris Loka.
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