Evison matafale - olenga dzuwa

Evison Matafale was a Malawian, Chileka based reggae artists. He was Born in 1969 and grew up in Malawi and Zimbabwe. He was the founder and leader of Malawi's most successful reggae band the Black Missionaries. Matafale rose to fame and iconic status by 2000 through the release of his debut album, Kuyimba 1, in 1999.

However, soon after Kuyimba 1 he disappeared from the public view for almost a year battling with tuberculosis. He paradoxically returned into the limelight, with the release of his second album, Kuyimba 2 in 2001and his death in police custody on November 27th, 2001. He was arrested over allegation of authoring seditious letters to the then President of Malawi, Bakili Muluzi.

Matafale is still honored for his music, political activism, and concerts are still organized to celebrate his life. And recently, in 2010 on Independence Day, President Bingu wa Mutharika awarded Matafale the Achiever of Malawi Order of National Achiever Award, and a gift of money to his family.

Malawi: That was Wednesday, November 28, 2001, when people from all walks of life flocked to Chileka, on the outskirts of Blantyre City, to witness the interment of Malawi's reggae icon, Evison Matafale.

The music legend died on November 27, in the hands of police, days after they apprehended him in Chileka for questioning about a letter he wrote criticising then-President Bakili Muluzi's policies.

Following his death, the artist's reggae band, Black Missionaries, began an annual music concert to honour and celebrate the legendary gifted music maestro's life and achievements.

The perennial show, known for its live performances, also pays tribute to other fallen members, such as Musamude and Gift Fumulani, who died years later.

The 21st memorial music show will take place this year at Gadaga ground in Chileka, the home of Malawi's "reggae king."

Anjiru Fumulani, lead vocalist and band leader of Black Missionaries, confirmed the event's return to AfricaBrief on Friday.