Lulu leaves US-based Malawians in awe
Music sensation Lulu mesmerised the Malawian community in the USA when they held the second edition of the Black Tie Charity Event in South Bend, Indiana.
Apart from raising funds for orphaned school children and victims of Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, the organising team honoured and awarded outstanding Malawians in the US diaspora.
During the awards, Vincent ‘Vinny Visuals’ Kamulanje, a videographer, who is currently in the US, received the Young Inspirational Award.
Lulu unpacked a performance that will live to be remembered for a long time. The energy, the artistry, the ambiance and the music was top drawer. For more than two hours, Lulu gyrated on stage, kept up with the audience and displayed a performance of his life.
Everyone in the sold-out venue was either dancing or singing along.
“I perform by way of expressing my hunger in music and my industry. I am here in the USA for music and music is what I delivered.” Lulu said.
The artist was supported by a cast of talented instrumentalists in the name of Jack Kamwendo, Amos ‘Drumos’ Mlolowa and Apatsa Kwilimbe. Songstress Wendy Harawa also made a cameo and they did their collaboration, Sindili Choncho, sending fans into frenzy.
In a separate interview from the US, Lulu said this being his first performance in the US, he is satisfied with the reception as well as the performance he gave.
“I have been to England, Ireland, Scotland and many other countries, but not here. So the feeling was great. I will be here until the first week of May as I am also trying to work on some projects with Tionge Mhango and Mahara.
One of the event organisers, Ben Muwalo, said this year’s event has surpassed their expectations: “We expected a good turn up and true to our expectations, the event was sold out.
“At the moment we are overwhelmed by the number of orphans in need of assistance especially due to the impact of cyclone. We are appealing to well-wishers to adopt a student. Some of them need as low as K20, 000 per term which is less than 20 dollars.”
According to the organisers, they partnered with US-based Malawian businesses as well as people of goodwill such Omega Nankhuni of OC Cosmetics to sponsor the event which has become an annual thing.
Philanthropist Tonny Chirwa, a regular contributor for The Nation, was awarded Community Trendsetter of the Year for mobilising resources for the underprivileged in Malawi and his general leadership in the Malawian community in the US.
“This award is for every person who has dipped in their pocket for all the good causes the community has been involved in. I am just receiving it on their behalf”, he said.
Allan Chole was awarded for outstanding sports achievement. Chipiliro Khonje, Don Nyirongo and Mimi’s Catery were some of the awardees on the night.
