Blantyre gets a Lusubilo feel
Lubusilo Band at the weekend covered approximately 900 kilometres from their base in Karonga to Blantyre for one mission: to offer entertainment.
The Afro-centric music group is known for its lively and energetic performances with a deep cultural theme and that is exactly what they brought for their Blantyre-based fans.
During their Blantyre excursion, the group staged two shows: the first on Saturday evening at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Limbe and another at HS Winehouse in Namiwawa, Blantyre on Sunday evening.
The HS Winehouse show started at about 6pm. For those who appreciate cultural and traditional music, then there was no better place to be.
Band leader Chigomezgo Nyasulu led from the front as he combined the lead vocals with his saxophone. He was sandwiched by Mordan Kalua who played the trombone and Limbani Munthali who manned the trumpet.
The trio led the pack admirably, exchanging roles when the situation required them to do so. The group was ably assisted on the drums by Blantyre-based session artist Omex Chimpeni, who seems to be getting better with each passing set he participates in.
It was little wonder that he won praises from Kalua: “We are getting Omex. Blantyre people, you have lost this man. We are taking him to Karonga.”
The group dished out songs such as Lupakisho, Wezulo Walira, Lisa, Nkhuwera, Sibweni, Ndinda, Malawi and the vimbuza themed Bulangete.
“After the Covid-19 induced silence we needed to re-introduce ourselves to our fans. The period of inactivity was just too long and we thought we could use these two platforms to tell our fans that we are still around,” said the band leader in a post-performance interview.
During the two shows, the band performed alongside Lilongwe-based music ace Lulu. It was a demanding weekend for the singer, composer and producer with four performances spread across three days.
On Friday, Lulu performed at Billy Kaunda’s book and album launch at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe. On Saturday, he was at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall and on Sunday he performed in Mulanje in the afternoon and at HS Winehouse in the evening.
During the Sunday evening show, it was noticeable that the schedule had taken its toll on him. His performance lacked the spark that accompanies his performances. Even his partner saxophonist Dan Sibale opted out of the set and he was spotted enjoying the performance just like a regular patron.
Lulu delivered most of his songs in a low jazz pattern as he tried to suit the HS Winehouse platform which is touted as a jazz/acoustic place.
