UTM’s Mtumbuka crosses political divide to bless choir album — and splashes K1.5m on CD

UTM Party presidential running mate Dr Matthews Mtumbuka set aside party politics on Sunday to serve as guest of honour at a Catholic choir album launch in Zomba, using the moment to urge worshippers to put their talents to work for God.

The Rumphi Central MP was the star attraction at Holy Trinity Parish in Matawale, Zomba Diocese, as St Gregory Catholic Choir Mzimu Woyera unveiled its new album, with Mtumbuka telling the congregation that music was a powerful gift capable of spreading God’s word.

“Every person in the church has a talent that can be used to serve God well. One of these talents is music, and we should use it to glorify God,” he told worshippers.

He also thanked the choir for the invitation, saying it left the people of Rumphi Central deeply honoured.

“I would like to thank St. Gregory Choir for inviting me to be the guest of honour. The people of Rumphi Central are very honoured by this invitation,” he said.

The event carried a notable cross-party flavour, with Zomba City North MP Bester Awali — whose invitation brought Mtumbuka to the parish — publicly thanking him for showing up despite their political differences.

Speaking through his personal assistant Joe Pamamera, Awali praised Mtumbuka’s willingness to set aside rivalry for the sake of community.

“We would like to thank Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka for gracing this occasion and putting party colours aside to attend this function, especially because the invitation came through Honourable Bester Awali,” Pamamera said.

Mtumbuka didn’t leave empty-handed either — before the day was out, he dug into his pocket to buy the choir’s newly launched album CD for a striking K1.5 million.