By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday, January 29,2022 gave a host to a legend local musician Giddes Chalamanda as one way of celebrating his 92nd birthday.
Speaking from Kamuzu Palace, while presenting a miniature to Chalamanda, President Chakwera said he invited him(Chalamanda) just to say happy birthday, and that the medal symbolizes a thanks giving to Chalamanda as a best musician and one whose talent has inspired many to venture into music industry in the country, adding that Giddes has proved that one can live with lifetime talent just like himself.
Posting on his Facebook page, President Chakwera regarded Giddes Chalamanda as the oldest active musician of this generation.
“Having clocked 92 recently, Agide is probably the oldest active musician of our generation. His contribution to the music and arts industry is immeasurable and acts as a valuable resource for others in the same trade.” Said President Chakwera.
President Chakwera also told the nation that during the interaction he had with Agide, he(Giddes) gave Chakwera reliable insights on how best government and the music industry can collaborate in creating jobs and inclusive wealth for all Malawians.
President Chakwera then told the nation that Giddes Chalamanda is the pride of the country through his career.
“I am also glad that he has lately become a global sensation on a famous video social networking platform. This feat befits his status as a music icon.” Said President Chakwera in the post on his page.
But speaking during the time Chalamanda met President Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace in a company of his famous daughter Linny, Giddes said he was so happy upon hearing that President Chakwera has invited him to the Palace on his 92nd birthday, adding that at his age he never expected such great honor from the first citizen of Malawi.
“I am very happy to meet the President face to face accompanied by my daughter Linny. At my age I never expected this, I am really thankful to the President for the gesture.” Said Giddes Chalamanda popularly known as Agide.
Giddes Chalamanda was born on Wednesday, January 15,1930 and comes from Chiradzulu District. He is an acoustic artist well-known for songs like Buffalo Soldier which is believed to have been composed and sang by him in 1960s before it was also sang by Bob Marley in 1978, and Linny lyrics.