Patrick Nyendwa (Awisi Tamara Mpali), A True Legend of Theatre and Film in Zambia

By Tom Njovu

Yesterday, Zambia bid a solemn farewell to a giant of the creative arts. Patrick Nyendwa, fondly remembered by many as the father of Tamara in the beloved local soap opera Mpali, was laid to rest, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the small screen.

Nyendwa was not merely an actor; he was a cornerstone of Zambia’s theatre and film industry. His artistic journey began in the 1980s, a vibrant and politically charged era that saw him join Tikwiza Theatre, a pioneering ensemble that wielded art as a weapon for social and political advocacy.

Among the group’s most iconic productions was Waiting for Sanctions, written by Masauso Phiri. The play courageously laid bare the injustices of apartheid in South Africa and issued a clarion call for the international community to impose sanctions against the oppressive regime. This work aligned perfectly with President Kenneth Kaunda’s strong anti-apartheid stance, and the Head of State became a patron of their mission. Under Dr. Kaunda’s sponsorship, Tikwiza Theatre toured Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and other Southern African countries, spreading a message of liberation through drama. In a remarkable gesture of support, President Kaunda even gifted the group his personal toga cloth, the very fabric he had worn during Zambia’s independence celebrations.

Pictures courtesy of MiMages.

The pinnacle of their activism came in 1990. Following the release of Nelson Mandela from prison, Tikwiza Theatre was summoned to perform Waiting for Sanctions at State House before a glittering audience of dignitaries: President Kaunda, Betty Kaunda, Nelson Mandela, and Winnie Mandela. For Patrick Nyendwa, standing on that stage was not just a performance; it was a declaration that Zambian art could speak to the conscience of the continent.

Nyendwa worked alongside a remarkable ensemble of talent that reads like a hall of fame of Zambian creativity: Matildah Malama Mfumu, Arthur Zekezeke, Habenzu Hamusankwa, Edmond Ngula, renowned football analyst Yotamu Mwanza, Maiko Zulu (also known as Saint Michael), Daputsa Nkata (Sister D), Gorgina Hamusankwa, Ben Banda, Manda Mwila, Francis Mwila, Chris Mwanza, Wisely Kaonga, and others. The group itself was originally forged by visionaries such as Mumba Kapumpa and friends.

Beyond their political impact, Tikwiza Theatre nurtured lasting personal bonds. The ensemble produced notable couples, Maiko Zulu and Sister D, as well as Habenzu and Gorgina Hamusankwa, showing that the fire of art could also forge families.

These were men and women of immense impact, individuals who helped shape the theatre and arts landscape in Zambia. Some are still with us, continuing to inspire. Others, like Patrick Nyendwa, have gone to be with the Lord.

Pictures courtesy of MiMages.

Yet, their legacy does not fade. It lives on through the stories they told, the stages they graced, and the generations they inspired. For those who knew him as Awisi Tamara Mpali, he was a comforting television father. For those who knew the full arc of his journey, he was a freedom fighter in costume, a patriot with a script, and a true legend.

Rest well, Patrick Nyendwa. The stage is quieter without you, but your voice echoes still.

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