Scotland Malawi fusion

Well tonight I was schmoozing with the rich and powerful as we patted ourselves on the back over our benevolence to little Malawi. A relationship going back 150 years to David Livingston! We presume! The really humbling thing was the startlingly passionate speech by one of the visiting Malawian Government minister's Joyce, a mama who spoke with genuine warmth and conviction about the sacrifice of the 20 year old Scottish men who those many years ago, woke up and decided to leave this wonderful land of Scotland and go thousands of miles (no business class then) to Malawi 'to bring health, education and Christianity.' I was really warmed by that by the obvious privilege she felt to be in Scotland and to share in celebrating this heritage of benevolence and help. I really hope she doesn't meet any Torys who think the Scottish Executives International Fund is illegal or those dreadfully noxious 'charity begins at home' naysayers that pervade the schemes of West Central Scotland- especially in Blantrye, birthplace of Livingston and Buckie drinkers.

After canapes and wine (some actually really disgusting- a blue cheese filled profiterole- who thinks up such pestiferous nik naks!) This was followed by an evening of really quite fantastic cultural entertainment. Village Cultural Troupe - A troupe of young Malawian dancers and drummer stomped, shimmied and sparkled in a stage set normally used by classical musicians and wannabe divas of the RSAMD. There was a really cool fire eater, so cool he thrust a flaming torch down his trousers without a wince. Then there was TNT 'a kilt wearing boy band' -so the programme promised-who turned out all to be wearing black shirts and trousers (not flammable) But they were good, boy the skirling of the pipes makes you a patriot. Then real Scottish culture with a Gaelic singer Catriona Watt with Eno-like piano accompaniment. A few impenetrable drama scenes with a great young Malawian actor named Talent Phoya. He was joined by RSAMD actors Martin McCormick (who looked like Fran from Travis) and Hannah Donaldson (who looked like a River City extra) They were ok - but something about Scottish accents and drama - do Americans, Australians, French, feel the same cringe in hearing their accents in drama, radio, TV? Maybe a Scottish cringe thing?
Anyway all this Malawi Scotland culture got stramashed in the end with 'fusion,' a free for all pipes, drums and stomp n twirl n twang. We swayed and clapped in our 'business attire and national dress' as the invites directed. You know bring it on more, I'd love to see more of this stuff and what with Madonna and Malawi maybe a little bit of Africa needs us all. (Apart from the little bit of Africa in your mobile phone!- that's for another blog!)