By Burnett Munthali
On Saturday night, 26 October 2024, a large crowd left disappointed at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe after renowned Jamaican reggae artist Burning Spear did not perform two of his much-anticipated songs, Identity and Not Stupid. The latter is a powerful song that criticizes oppressive leadership, dishonesty, and the mistreatment of people by those in power.
Not Stupid is known for its hard-hitting message that challenges leaders to fulfill their promises, particularly by making life better and lowering the cost of living. The lyrics include a memorable line: “They told us things will be better” and “They told us things will be cheaper,” reminding leaders to uphold their commitments to economic improvement.
Spear initially left the stage after a set, but when the audience demanded Identity and Not Stupid, he returned. However, he did not perform the two requested tracks, leaving many fans upset as they had been eagerly waiting for these iconic songs.
The show, despite its high expectations, ended on a note of frustration for many attendees.
