The warm August evening air in Lusaka carried with it the subtle promise of something special as guests gathered at Mpoto Yantu restaurant for a dinner hosted by the Prosecutors’ Conference Organising Committee. Tucked away in the heart of the city, the venue provided a perfect setting, rustic, intimate, and rich with Zambian charm, for what would unfold as one of the most memorable evenings of the Conference.

The dinner was more than a formal gathering, it was a celebration of collaboration, cultural pride, and shared purpose. As guests took their seats under softly glowing chandeliers and the scent of local cuisine drifted through the air, there was already a quiet sense that this would be no ordinary evening.

What followed was a truly enchanting experience.

The diners were serenaded by none other than the legendary Angela Nyirenda, whose music stirred not only memories but also hearts. Her voice, unmistakably rich and evocative, floated across the courtyard, weaving stories of heritage and identity. With each performance, she reminded all present of the beauty and depth of Zambian culture. Her presence brought an energy that was both nostalgic and electric, equal parts celebration and tribute.

The evening built steadily toward its climax. As the final course was cleared and conversations turned from legal discourse to laughter and warmth, the atmosphere shifted from elegant to almost magical.

The highlight of the night came during the presentation of gifts, an emotional, heartfelt gesture that marked the bond between nations and colleagues. As the Director of Public Prosecutions of Kenya, Mr. Benson Mulele Ingonga and Zambia’s own learned Director Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC were called forward, the room came alive with applause, admiration, and genuine affection. Their surprise was palpable, their gratitude even more so.

What made this moment extraordinary, however, was the artistic tribute that followed. The performances, vibrant, expressive, and deeply moving seemed to gather every emotion of the night into a single moment – pride, unity, appreciation, and joy. The music and dance reflected the spirit of the event itself grounded in justice, elevated by culture.

As the evening drew to a close, guests lingered in the soft twilight, reluctant to let go of a night so perfectly tuned. Conversations carried on well past the final note, friendships deepened, and memories were quietly made.

For those fortunate enough to attend, the dinner at Mpoto Yantu was not merely an official function, it was a celebration of who we are, what we stand for, and the deep ties that connect us, across borders and beyond our work.