The populous Kachere Township along the Blantyre-Zomba Road in Blantyre is known for many things, both good and bad.

Its notoriety has earned the area a name as not one of the safest places in the city, but the never-ending entertainment which the place offers at the cheapest rate possible has made the place a hub of activities running around the clock.

For arts: Kairali Complex is now hosting arts events

A visit to the place gives one the impression of a people almost living in a world of their own. The hygiene of the place is somewhat not the best, but still, for the dwellers it is a full life.

John Asani, 34, has been living in Kachere since he was 12 and he says the place means life to him.

“We get everything we want here. I don’t even see the reason why I should even go to town because I find everything here,” he said.

For whatever the place means to its habitants, from afar Kachere is viewed by many as a no-go zone because of the stories associated with it, including thriving prostitution. Stories are told of men camping in lodges matrimonial homes for days.

Without confirming, Asani gave hints that some of the tales may be true.

He said: “Those who see the place from afar have a wrong impression about the place. People just come here to enjoy the fun like it happens anywhere else. It is just the usual fun. Prostitution happens anywhere.”

Regardless, Kachere Township is the dream place for fun-seekers.

Blessings Chibweza, a Chilobwe Township resident within the city, says the place feels different from others when it comes to entertainment.

“I usually spend my weekends here. Life is cheap here above all else. When you are here, you know that you are secluded from the bustle and hustle of town life. You just concentrate on your fun,” he said.

Late last year, a new multifunctional entertainment place, Kairali Complex, opened in the area which appears poised to transform the impression that people have had for the area in as far as entertainment is concerned.

The complex has a multi-purpose hall, an outdoor performance stage, pool arena, darts zone, inside restaurants, braii stands, both outside and inside bars. The place hosts events of any sort such as weddings, parties, special functions and music shows.

Owner of the place, Dave Malamia said with time a lot of things have changed and the opening of the place is one of a things which will help change the image of Kachere Township.

He said: “What is said about this place may be true. This place has been around for a long time, even before some of us were born. With the passage of time the place has given birth to some people who don’t really identify with the area.

“That has made it difficult for such people to enjoy a social life here. They are forced to go places to have fun. The opening of this place has given those people a chance to experience entertainment closer to home.”

Kairali Complex serves communities from Chiradzulu, Mapanga, Bangwe, Machinjiri and those travelling along the Blantyre- Zomba Road.

Some of the artists that have performed at the place include Black Missionaries, Dan Lu and Zambian B1, among others.

Malamia said he wants to develop the place as a replacement for Blantyre Cultural Centre, formerly French Cultural Centre, to host cultural events and art festivals.

“My long-term plan is to establish a Blantyre Music Festival which will be hosted here annually. We want this place to provide an alternative venue for those who want to host events of different nature, including sports activities such as boxing,” he said.

Malamia said considering its location, they established a 30-man security team which provides security to ensure that the patrons at the place are safe at all times.

“We will make sure that this place changes the face of Kachere,” he said

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