By Suleman Chitera, Blantyre
The Soche Zingwangwa parliamentary race just turned up the volume—literally.
United Democratic Front (UDF) aspiring Member of Parliament, Blessings Masinga, popularly known in the music circles as Black Flame, has set the stage alight with a bold promise to transform the long-neglected constituency, if voted into power next month.
Masinga, whose lyrical flair has long resonated with the youth, brought political fire to Zingwangwa Secondary School on Tuesday as he submitted his nomination papers. Over 1,500 energetic supporters thronged the venue, turning the usually quiet campus into a carnival of chants, cheers, and UDF colours.
“People here have suffered for too long under poor leadership,” Masinga said, addressing the roaring crowd. “I respect my predecessor Noel Lipipa, but it’s time to move forward. Zingwangwa deserves fresh, fearless, and focused leadership.”
The hip-hop artist-turned-politician promises an agenda focused on youth empowerment, local job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and education development.
Masinga now faces a high-stakes political battle against some equally high-profile names: fellow artist Penjani Kalua (UTM), political strategist Rodwell Ngalande (DPP), MCP’s Selube Chisanga, and independent candidate Joyce Malunga.
With two hip-hop heavyweights in the race, the Soche Zingwangwa ballot is starting to sound like a battle of bars and ballots—and the people are listening.
Whether Black Flame’s political beats can match his studio hits remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: this campaign just got louder.
