ARTIST:ANGLICAN GOSPEL CHAMPIONS FEATURING ALLAN CHIRWA AND ROBERT CHIWAMBA
REVIEWED BY SHADRECK NYANJA & CHRIS LOKA
Sorrowful, almost dirge-like,keyboard notes ensue. For those who are glued to their monitors,the face of a pained male person with albinism drifts across the screen followed by images of hands,in black and white video shot,that deftly play the keyboard. Then you know you are watching Nawonso ndi Anthu (They are also humans), a gospel music video by the Anglican Gospel Champions of Balaka, which features the energetic gospel music giant, Allan Chirwa and the celebrated vernacular poet of the moment, Robert Chiwamba.
The captivating music video which exhorts stakeholders not to ignore the plight of albinos,who are being murdered as if they are less human, was shot and co-directed by Elisha Kazonde of Concept Images (Ltd). He requires no further introduction beyond the fact that he shot Faith Mussa’s “Desperate”. The video whose lyrics were written by Vincent Chiwamba, is contained in the Anglican Gospel Champions’ first ever DVD, “Mbiri Yanga (My Legacy). The song is an indictment of all people of Malawi, particularly Christians, for giving little attention to killings of people with albinism. The first and only verse of the song borrows from the bible – Jeremiah 13 Verse 15 and Matthew 2 Verse 18:
“Kukumveka Kulira,Rachel akulira/Ana ake akuphedwa/palibe osamala/ Alubino akuphedwa/aKhristu mukuona/ Koma anzathu alubinowa Nawonso ndi Anthu!” (Wailing is heard/ Rachel is crying/her children are being murdered/No one seems to care/albinos are being killed/ with the knowledge of you Christians/ but our friends, the albinos/ they too are human beings).
This message collaborates with the view expressed in the chorus that presumes that albinos are not getting the help they deserve because they are viewed as less human and also, not a priority. This fact does not fail to prick the conscience of any viewer who has a heart and a soul. It is a fact that currently in Malawi, while the most attention is given to cases such as those of homosexuals, who have not suffered any killings, can easily prevent their victimization through behavior change, and are mostly well to do, the murder of albinos, who cannot change their skin and are mostly vulnerable, is treated with indifference by society!
The video quality is impeccable having been shot in high definition format. All the pictures are properly defined and the videographer captures the scenes from expert angles. The sole face of the albino, which floats against a background of blackness as the song begins, reflects the abandonment people with albinism have suffered, at a time they needed people most. In addition, the use of demonstrators with placards and a multitude of people in the background, creating a quasi “mourning Ground”, has the propensity to raise both emotion and tension in the viewer.
Two of Malawi’s top talents, Allan and Robert, have not disappointed in this music video! Allan has proved that when it comes to exhibiting feeling in music videos, few can stand shoulder to shoulder with him whilst Robert has shown another angle to his talent – his poetry can smoothly navigate from his usually humorous approach to issues, to a sombre one when required! Other clever ploys that make the music video unique and worth watching include scenes that were shot at night and the exclusion of dance moves.
Probably the only weakness one may be tempted to highlight is the inclusion of a mob justice-like scene where the choir members in black carry torches of fire and pursue suspected perpetrators of albino abductions. This has the potential to encourage viewers to take the law in their hands which may create other complications. However, the solace in this case is that they are trying to rescue their abducted albino friend. In the end they are seen rejoicing with him.
All in all the message in Nawonso ndi Anthu is clear and direct. A silent, invisible, but accusing hand points at every Malawian as they watch this music video and, not a few have confessed to shedding tears after watching it. The music video, which has been distributed to all TV stations in Malawi, is a must,have and can be a potent tool in the fight against this vice.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jISCES3bnM
