Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Michael Usi has urged artists in the country to fearlessly speak out against issues that have potential to derail national development in their plays.

The call comes barely weeks after one of the Comedians in the country Born Kalindo, popularly known as Winiko received backlash for criticizing the Tonse Alliance government led by Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

In a video clip which went viral on social media, Winiko accused the Chakwera administration for failing to fulfill some of the campaign promises through play.

In the play, Winiko outlined things that the Tonse Alliance administration has failed to fulfill and the continued rise of prices of cost of living.

“Mumaziwa kuti andale akati mudya katatu pasiku chomwe amachita iwo nkukweza mafuta nde mudya bwanji katatu pomwe mafuta akwera,” [Politicians promise to ensure that people have three meals per day but the same politicians later hike prices of cooking oil],” Winiko was quoted in the play while attracting ululations from the audience.

This did not go down well with some United Transformation Movement (UTM) youths who asked Winiko to apologies but Kalindo refused.

Speaking during prayers bidding farewell to departed Eric Mabedi at the Blantyre Catholic Parish, Usi charged the artists to use Galatians 4 vs 16 when they face criticisms for speaking out against such issues.

Galatians 4 vs 16 asks that “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”

Many have described Usi’s utterance as direct reference to Winiko’s scenario.

One of the concerned Malawians identified as Misheck Williams Kajaluka wrote: “He’s actually encouraging Winiko and the rest of other artists to keep the fire burning.”

Concurring with Kajakula’s remarks Westom Jaguar Bika said: “Fearless man I know has spoken. He who has ears let him hear what the wise man says to the nation.”

Meanwhile debate on the matter continues.