Questions as Wailing Brothers perform without Ma Blacks at Mzuzu Matafale’s memorial

Fans of the country’s super reggae outfit, the Black Missionaries, are uncertain of the future of the band following a performance some of the band’s members did Thursday in memory of fallen reggae maestro at Jacaranda Lifestyle Lounge in Mzuzu. [caption id="attachment_98625" align="alignright" width="428"] Wailing Brothers[/caption] Ma Blacks, as they are popularly known, were not present when the Wailing Brothers– a team of artists that worked with Matafale before he died – performed. Matafale died on November 27, 2001 in police custody. Founder and leader of the reggae band Black Missionaries, he was a Malawian Rastafarian whose music rose to popularity in Malawi. Some fans who attended the show and later spoke to Nyasa Times said they weren’t “really sure of what to make of the development.” A David Munyenyembe said he was “actually surprised” with the fact that the Wailing Brothers performed without their buddies – Ma ‘Blacks. The revived Wailing Brothers comprise the Chokani brothers – Takudziwani and Paul – who were long time confidantes of Matafale, among others. They have recently released a well-received video Everything’s Gonna Be Alright which is enjoying massive airplay on the country’s television stations. A description accompanying the video reads: “Malawi’s hot reggae band Wailing Brothers has been revived from their Kuyimba 1 hit album. Brothers Taku and Paul Chokani redefining reggae in Malawi.” But talented guitarist, leader and lead vocalist for the Wailing Brothers has repeatedly told local press that they were “not disbanding” from Ma ‘Blacks, adding they will continue to perform with them.