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Despited their demise years ago, John Nyanga and Eric Mabedi, who traded as Izeki ndi Jakobo, have remained the undisputed stand-up comedians in the country. The standards the duo set have remained unmatched years after they exited the stage. Their numerous video clips from their productions continue to dominate social media spaces. Some have been embedded in current narratives, just to underline how their wit and reflections descend generational boundaries and continues to speak to the realities now. In recognition of their contribution in shaping Malawi’s comedy landscape, the fallen artists’ families have organised a memorial event to celebrate their lives. Speaking in an interview yesterday, Maziko Eric Mabedi, son to Eric Mabedi aka Jakobo, said the event provides a platform to say goodbye to the two icons. “Both families had to find a way to move on and we did. At the same time, we noticed the noise on social media, it shows Malawians still love and miss Izeki and Jakobo. It is not just about our families, but the nation as well. So, we felt it was right to say goodbye properly,” said Maziko. On his part, Izeki’s son William Nyanga said as a family the event is more than a celebration as it is a way of honouring their legacy and impact the two left through their talent and creativity. He said: “They brought joy, laughter and unity to many people across Malawi. Their work became part of the cultural identity. “For us this event is both emotional and meaningful as it allows us to keep their memories alive by sharing their stories with the younger generation.” During the memorial event, slated for November 29 at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, the families will create a mini mobile museum, which will be a creative exhibition showcasing costumes, pictures and revamped high-quality videos from Izeki and Jokobo’s performances. The event will also mark the launch of a documentary chronicling the duo’s journey, featuring narrations from poets Robert Chiwamba and Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa. A two-hour video compilation of classic Izeki and Jakobo video will be premiered and later put on an exclusive auction whose proceeds will be put to charity and heritage preservation. Maziko said they will use the event to unveil a partnership to carry Izeki ndi Jakobo’s legacy and tradition into the future. He said: “We are definitely continuing with the comedy legacy. Not necessarily the acting because William and me are not actors per se. What we are carrying forward is the spirit and humour of Izeki and Jakobo. “The specifics on how we will do it will be revealed later. I am confident that the public will receive it positively.” Event organiser Levi Msakambewa said the memorial event can provide a starting point for government to recognise and celebrate people of Izeki and Jokobo’s caliber. “These were geniuses of comedy. It needed to start from somewhere. In this case, the families have set the ball rolling. We have names such as Du Chisiza Jnr, Christopher Chiwalo and Charles Severe who deserve recognition as well,” he said. Seasoned actor Charles Mphoka said of the duo: “There will never be anything like them. They were more than talent. They cannot be replaced.” John Nyanga, was born on June 11 1963 and he died on May 22 2006. He was the founder of Alufeyo Performing Arts and later Synagogue For Hope Church. On the other hand, Mabedi was born on June 21 in 1963 and passed away in 2021. He was one of the co-directors of Kwathu Drama Group and served in capacities such as president for the National Theatre Association of Malawi and as board chairperson for the Copyright Society of Malawi. The duo is among the first artists to produce movies over two decades ago, with their productions being I am the Road You Walk and Njinga.
