Musical Easter

Christians globally will this weekend commemorate Easter, a season when they reflect and celebrate the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who is regarded as their Lord and Saviour. The event is usually marked by merry-making, including singing and dancing to songs that glorify Jesus as the Saviour of mankind. One of the songs many Malawians will relate to is by Grace Chinga featuring her daughter Miracle Chinga titled Anandigula.

In the song, Grace Chinga sings of the price that Jesus paid for people’s salvation. The danceable tune takes a celebratory tone, highlighting that salvation could not be paid by money or material things, but the blood of Jesus on the cross. It goes in part: “Ndikuthokoza Ambuye Yesu anandikonda ndisanankonde ine “Kufika mwana wa Mulungu kukhetsa mwazi si chinthu chapafupi Makolo anga analipo koma sanathe kundigulira moyo ine Anandigula ndi mwazi wa Yesu” Choral groups have done the majority of Easter songs.

Joyful Souls, for example, did a song titled Agogoda in which they talk about how Jesus left His Glory in heaven to come and die for mankind. In part they sing:“Adasiya ulemelero kutsika kudziko lamdima, maganizo ake onse anali pa iwe.” The beautiful acapella piece takes a mellow tone and brings audiences to reflect. It also puts emphasis on melodies which are carefully packaged and layered, making it one unique Easter song.

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Balaka-based Alleluiah Band on the other hand, offers a different perspective to the matter by showing a humane side with its song Imfa ya Ambuye. In the song, the persona questions why the leadership then decided to crucify Jesus despite knowing that he did nothing wrong. Ndi chiyani anafera mwana wamunthu osalakwa pa mtanda wa mavuto” In an interview, one of the gospel music ethusiasts Golden Dzidekha said gospel artists have for years coloured the Easter celebrations with beautiful and meaningful compositions.

“However, what I have noted of late is that many artists are no longer coming up with new songs, but rather recycle or use hymn songs. I wonder why,” he said.

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