BY LUSUNGU GONDWE – MALAWIHEAT.COM
Malawians are continuing to
mourn celebrated actor Eric Mabedi alias Jakobo, and renowned drama lecturer at
the University of Malawi, Chancellor College, Smith Likongwe, has asked Kwathu
Drama Group – to which Mabedi belonged as was leader – to consider documenting
the fallent artist’s works.
Mabedi succumbed to Covid-19 at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in the commercial Blantyre on Monday August 2, 2021 and was buried on Tuesday at CI cemetery where hundreds attended to pay their last respects – including minister responsible for arts Michael Usi.
He hailed from Thumbwe Village
in Chiradzulu district, and was part of the famous duo that comprised himself
and Izeki.
Likongwe has called on
members of Kwathu Drama Group to preserve Eric Mabedi’s legacy by publishing
his works.
Mabedi, one of the oldest
members of Kwathu Drama Group alongside another veteran actor Charles Mphoka,
have been frontrunners crafting productions but many have not been documented.
Likongwe, who has documented
plays from Southern Africa publishing books such as said Kwathu should collect
all the plays and aim at publishing the works for posterity.
“Eric Mabedi was very
creative and a humble personality who was a very good leader. Kwathu Drama
Group would not have developed to where it is today without his good
leadership,” he said.
Mphoka admitted during
Mabedi’s requiem mass at Catholic Institute (CI) in Blantyre before his burial
that Mabedi was a force for the group.
“I am not sure how we will
move from here; he was everything for Kwathu and now the future looks bleak,”
he said before breaking down into tears.
Minister of Tourism, Culture
and Wildlife Michael Usi also said Mabedi was no ordinary person in theatre and
that, as a devout Catholic, he used his talent to serve the Church.
A priest also attested
during mass that Mabedi served the church and that, with his talent, he
fundraised for various projects.
