Mlaka set for Lilongwe launch

Musician MacDonald Mlaka Maliro says all is set for the unveiling of his first gospel album at the Lilongwe Sheaffer Hall on Sunday.

Mlaka ditched secular music after nine albums, but the launch of Hossana two months ago saw a dramatic shift in the message while maintaining the same beat that made Dzanja Lalemba a bestseller 12 years ago.

“Preparations are high and the people in Lilongwe must brace for a good show as we have been polishing our act,” said Mlaka.

If the social media is anything to go by, some of his Facebook followers feel the use of Jenna Sisters as dancing queens is beyond gospel music etiquette.

Mlaka notes this is part of the pains of growing.

“We need dancers, but all we needed is polishing up the dance acts. That is what we have done,” he said.

The Lilongwe show will also see in performance, Ethel Kamwendo-Banda, who also ditched secular music for gospel years back. Ethel says Mlaka must be strong, as gospel artists face a lot of hurdles.

“He is my brother and I feel great performing with him. I always say, gospel artists face a lot of temptations. He must cling on to the faith and serve his God,” said Ethel.

Apart from Kamwendo, The Great Angels Choir, Thocco Katimba Allan Chirwa and Limbani Simenti will also perform.