LYCO performance at Jacaranda Fest in Zambia today

LYCO team and
Margaret Constance Kamoto
Malawi High Commissioner to Zambia
stands between Gule Wamkulu dancers

Young Malawians from Light of Youth Creative Organization (LYCO) who traveled to Zambia on Thursday for the 2023 Jacaranda Children and Youth Arts Festival, are expected to perform this evening at Lusaka Playhouse in the capitol of Lusaka.

It is expected that the Malawi High Commissioner to Zambia, Margaret Constance Kamoto will be present to watch the drama and dances prepared by the Malawi troupe.

“We are set to perform this evening at 18:30, and we are excited with the presence of Malawi High Commissioner to Zambia at this event.” Confirmed James Kitchen, Executive Director of LYCO.

He said LYCO is going to showcase drama titled Nyangu and two dances – Gule Wamkulu and M’bwiza. He said Nyangu was written by Fumbani Phiri and was directed by Joyce Mhango Chavula.

Kitchen said the festival in Lusaka, is all about arts and culture participated by two other countries namely Botswana and Zimbabwe.

“This platform is very important because Malawian youths will share Malawian culture to other countries. It is very important because we are exporting Malawian arts and culture to other countries.” He said

LYCO was invited by ASSITEJ Zambia who are the organizers of the festival.

“This festival is for young people particularly drawn from different schools and has been taking place for some time now. Also, ASSITEJ Zambia has been coming to Malawi for our National Schools Youth Arts Festival (Nasfest) but it was only us who haven’t been in Zambia to participate in their festival.” Shared LYCO’s Executive Director

LYCO team pose with officials from Department
of Arts before leaving for Zambia

Kitchen has since thanked Malawi Government for playing a very important role by sponsoring them with a vehicle and fuel. He also appreciated Story Club FM, Nyamithambo Arts Palace and Crown Hotel for contributing towards the trip.

“We are still in need of support because we have some other expenses to be paid. We therefore encourage well-wishers to come in with support so that upon our return to Malawi we should for remaining costs incurred during the trip.” Appealed Kitchen

The 13 member team from Malawi, arrived on Thursday in Lusaka, and on Friday met with Malawian High Commissioner to Zambia.

The three-day festival themed “My Story, Your Story” commenced on Thursday, 15 June, 2023 and is expected to be concluded today.