UK based and world renowned Malawian comedian Daliso Chaponda has expressed gratitude to President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for supporting the arts industry.
Speaking when he had an audience with the Malawi leader on Monday at Kamuzu Palace, Daliso said Dr Chakwera has created an environment in the country where freedom of expression is truly respected.
The comedian has since committed to continue bringing comedy shows to Malawi, especially that the country through its leadership is a place where his craft is welcome.
Later writing on his Facebook page, Daliso said: “Honored to have been invited to the state House by the president of Malawi. He said very encouraging words about the power of art to inspire. I had a wondering (sic) time.”
He then jokingly added: “Don’t tell my dad.”
Daliso is son to Malawi politician George Chaponda who is a Member of Parliament for the Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and a fierce critic of the Tonse Administration.
Chakwera’s meeting with Dalitso, which many see as unexpected considering the relationship that the President has with his father, has attracted praises from both friends and critics of the Head of State.
Most social media commentators described Chakwera as a President who does not consider politics, tribes or someone’s background when it comes to national courses.
“Politics aside the president has done something which other leaders couldn’t do.
Inviting to the state residency a son of the leader of opposition (Kodi paja zili ku court etiiiii)
Bravo Dr Lazarus Chakwera,” commented one MacDonald Maunde on Facebook in reaction to the meeting.
Another Facebook comment from Kingsley Munthali reads: “Chakwera is the president for all. DPP learn something please. We now have a president not zijazi.”
President Dr Chakwera took time off his busy schedule to have an audience with Daliso who is in the country and had a show over the weekend at the Bingu International Conventional Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
During the audience President Dr Chakwera encouraged Daliso to continue waving Malawi’s flag high across the world and being the national treasure that he is.
Later, Daliso introduced the President to his Ugandan comedian counterpart Salvado, before the two took turns to make the President laugh with their jokes and later thanked the president for his uncommon humility, generosity, and hospitality.