Reggae star Luciano coming to Malawi

Jamaican reggae singer, Luciano, who will be making a summer tour to Africa, will hold a concert in Malawi in October, organisers have confirmed.

Meanwhile, the reggae artist’s management told On the Arts that talks are still on-going.

The artist, born Jepther McClymont, and also known as Jah Messenger, will perform in the capital city Lilongwe.

Luciano has been invited to perform in the country by Born Afrikan, a Malawian-born reggae artist based in South Africa.

Despite confirming that the deal was sealed, Born Afrikan could not give the actual day of the show as they were still negotiating the date.

“It’s a done deal. We have paid the money we had to pay to secure the booking. Now what remains is to agree on the date, but it will be in October in Lilongwe,” he said on Wednesday.

But responding to a questionnaire from On the Arts, Luciano’s manager responsible for worldwide bookings Sonia Sterling said talks are on-going.

“Yes, we are working on it and you will get confirmation soon, I will contact you as soon as everything is completed. One love,” she responded.

But Born Afrikan says Malawians should not doubt the organisers.

Referring to some events organisers that have let down Malawians before by announcing, promoting and selling tickets for failed concerts involving foreign artists, Born Afrikan said he could not let down Malawians.

“I am an international reggae artist and reggae music is the genre that’s in me. I’m assuring the nation that it’s 100 percent true that Luciano will have a gig in Lilongwe.

“I love my country, I love my people and I can’t disappoint Malawi,” said the artist who is a well known reggae music events and music promoter in South Africa.

When asked why there will not be another show in Blantyre, the dreadlocked musician said he would love to have two shows in the country but funds could not permit him and his partners, saying “there is a lot of money involved to bring these big artists to Africa”.

The show is also expected to accommodate Malawian reggae and dancehall artist. Born Afrikan said the list of supporting acts will be announced in due course.

“We already have a lot of local artists that have shown interest to be part of the show, but we will have to select. There are so many logistics involved, hence we can’t afford to bring in everyone,” he said.

Luciano, aged 49, is well known for his favourites such as Lord Give Me Strength, Sweep Over My Soul and A New Day.

He has released 20 albums to his credit, among them Moving Up, Messenger, Sweep Over My Soul, A New Day, Great Controversy and Jah is My Navigator.