Artists thrill at Umhlangano wa Maseko fundraising concert

Despite the low turnout, musicians, including Driemo, Nepman, ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda, Lulu, Piksy and Sam Smack gave scintillating performances at Blantyre Sports Club on Saturday evening.

The  concert was meant to raise funds for this year’s Umhlangano wa Maseko Ngoni Cultural Festival.

The event, which was scheduled to start at 1pm, only started around 6pm with performances by Mibawa Band and rising musician Driemo.

Backed by a live band, Driemo proved his worth when patrons, especially the women, sang along to each and every song that he performed.

His confidence on stage, dancing and interactions with patrons made his performance eye-catching and entertaining.

Driemo performed songs such as Mzanga, Compensation, Weni Weni and Insurance.

Nepman, a member of Zembani Band, followed shortly afterwards and proved that he is the stage master with his easiness on stage.

His signature dance moves and ability to grab people’s attention manifested his stage artistry.

Nepman’s set was extra funny as he kept on throwing sexual inuendos in his songs, sending patrons into stitches of laughter.

He performed songs such as Uchilawe, Chauta wa mphamvu, Malipe Dance, Magobo and Usalire.

Zembani Band manager Sam Smack took over from Nepman and he opened his set with his 2008 hit song Sophia. He also performed covers of other artists and ended his set with his collaboration with Lucius Banda Ndakudikira, effectively introducing the legendary musician on stage.

Dressed in white and a drape of an animal skin on his shoulders, ‘Soldier’ was a definition of a true Maseko Ngoni warrior. He went straight to business with his signature first song Nthawi. Then he invited Sam Smack back on stage to perform a mash-up of his songs originally recorded with Patience Namadingo.

He finished his set with a collaboration with his son Johnny who then took over from him playing some of his father’s songs as well as Culture’s songs.

He spiced up his set with dancing and his energetic moves  visibly wowed the crowd.

But before leaving the stage, Banda told the sizeable crowd that he was thankful that they supported the Maseko Ngoni cultural festival.

“We are so glad that you came to support us. Culture is important. It defines us as a people. We are all brothers and sisters. In our Ngoni language, we call each other ‘m’bele wanga, meaning we are all related,” he added.

After Johnny’s performance, Mibawa Banda took over to support Lulu and Piksy who both staged beautiful performances deep into the night until Sunday morning hours.

This year’s Umhlangano wa Maseko Ngoni Cultural Festival will take place from September 1 to 3. The event will also be held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V as the leader of Maseko Ngonis in Malawi.

As musicians were performing at Blantyre Sports Club, Vice-President Saulos Chilima and Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V participated in a golf tournament meant to raise funds for the same event at Lilongwe Golf Club.

The fundraising committee of the event says they hope to raise K75 million for the celebration.