“I will not mourn Mtebeti Wambali Mkandawire” Eulogy by Peter Makossah

By: Peter Makossah

I will not mourn Mtebeti Wambali Mkandawire.

I will celebrate his life and his great contribution to the Malawi and world music industry. People like Wambali do not die they just relocate to heaven. They live forever through their works of art. Wambali has relocated but his music and legacy will live forever.

Wambali was not just an iconic musician. He was more. Knowing and befriending Wambali up-close and personal is one of the best things I forever cherish.

Thank you Uncle Rodger Nkhwazi for taking me to Mtebeti’s house in Maple in Mzuzu that one Saturday afternoon in 2003 to introduce me to the great man.

I will forever be grateful for the way Wambali embraced me and injected a passion for serious music in me. As big as he was, he still accommodated me, took me as his own and shared with me his bounty knowledge on music and arts.

Wambali was so huge. A highest mountain of a man but very principled and yet so humble. He is a music giant who never settle for less.

I am so sorry Wambali, as a country, we didn’t give you the honour that you deserved. You fought for our freedom as an artist.

Because you are not a politician, you will be buried like an ordinary man and be forgotten before the sun set. We do not honour those with honour reverence.

What is that heroes acre for if we can’t bury you there?

Rest in power Mtebeti. I celebrate you Sir.

P/S I will write a personal tribute about Mte Wambali soon. Please look out for it in the Nation Newspapers.

Edith