Lucius and Zembani Band in double celebrations
Lucius Banda and Zembani Band will hold celebratory shows in Mangochi and Lilongwe this coming weekend as part of the band’s 20th anniversary and Lucius’ 47th birthday.
The first show will be held on Saturday, at Club 700 in the lakeshore district of Mangochi with a follow-up scheduled for M1 Centre Point in Lilongwe the following day.
To spice up the shows, Banda has taken on board a new supporting cast, which includes Saint, who is currently riding on the wave of his popular hit Delilah, Prince Friday and Ril B. Others are Sam Smack, Wendy Harawa and Nepman.
Banda told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday in Lilongwe that they want to use part of the two celebrations to thank their fans for the support they have rendered to Zembani Music Company since its inception in November 1997.
“Almost in every journey you encounter some challenges and false starts. For us to get here, we have counted on the support of our fans who have been there through thick and thin. These celebrations offer an opportunity and a platform for us as a brand to say ‘thank you’ to them,” he said.
A CD of a new but yet to be revealed single will be given out to the first 300 fans that will enter the gates of M1 Centre Point.
“Normally, it is the people who bring gifts to a baby once it is born but in this case it will be the reverse. As for the identity of the song in the CD, let them find out when they receive the CD,” the soldier clarified.
Commenting on the choice of having the show in Mangochi, and not Blantyre as many people would have expected, Banda said as a band, they have not performed in Mangochi for a longtime and they thought of prioritising them in the lineup.
“This is actually a launch of a series of events that will take place as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of Zembani Music Company. Our programme will run up till the time of the Sand Music Festival, so eventually everyone will be accorded the chance to have a feel of these celebrations,” he disclosed.
Since its formation, Zembani Band has acted as a stepping stone for many budding artists. The band has worked with countless artists in helping them launch their careers who include Mlaka Maliro, Billy Kaunda, Emma Masauko, late Enoch Chimbindu and late Paul Chaphuka. n
