Breathing life into Blantyre Fridays
It is expected that after a busy week people want to let off some steam and relax their minds with some entertainment.
But the local entertainment set-up is known to be mean when it comes to offering a variety of worthwhile services. With no cinemas and a few entertainment halls, options for fun lovers are somewhat limited.
However, within that narrow space, there are some platforms that provide some unique entertainment.
One of such places is The Sportsman’s Bar at the Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre where the Nep Sounds Band, a resident musical outfit for the the hospitality establishment, offers a unique music experience every Friday. It is not odd to see patrons, especially from the older generation perched within the space in a relaxed mood as they reflect on how the week has been for them.
The limited conversations among them and a little flow of beverages of all kinds may appear to be another factor that brings them together, but the mainstay without doubt is the sounds belted out by the youthful Nep Sounds Band.
“It is refreshing being here. Work is never fun. Sometimes it really gets tough and with everything going around, you are always looking for that little break to unwind a bit,” remarked one of the revellers Michael Chirambo, who is a regular at The Sportsman’s Bar.
Talk of jazz, classics, old school local and international covers, the Nep Sounds Band provides that with perfection.
From the sound of British award winning singer Adele’s Hello and Don’t You Remember, Lionel Ritchie’s Say You, Say Me and Don Williams’ Amanda make one stop and wonder.
Twenty-seven year old Anitta Denga leads the music ensemble with utter courage, confidence and precision.
She said she has gotten used to the Friday night’s experiences and she feels fulfilled with the entertainment that they offer to the patrons on a weekly basis.
“The trick is always knowing and reading the mood of the audience. You have to be in a constant interaction with them as you perform. When you maintain that connection, you know what they want and you make an effort to give them that,” she said.
The 10-member band has been part of The Sportsman’s Bar entertainment narrative since 2021. And throughout that journey, they have grown from strength to strength.
Some members of the band include Gilbert Chiwambo, Eranive Kumwembe, Frank Allan, Gift Maston, Dan Nyambo, Dave Buleya, Grace Nkhoma, Geoffrey Matiki and Mike Simakweli, a sibling to Sam, the Zembani Band leader.
The Nep Sounds Band is one part of the entertainment stable Nep Sounds and Event Management Company, which also offers disco, decoration and event management services.
Director of the company Martin Dias said they are satisfied to feel a void which is often disregarded in the entertainment sector.
“We have been in existence since 1989 only that we took a break in 2000 when the company was going through a transition. We regrouped in 2001 and since then we have been evolving. We have performed with some of the biggest bands and artists in Malawi and toured around the country too,” he said.
Dias said the band has reached a point to show the world what they have learnt from the experience of collaborating with different acts. He said it is now time for people to see what they have to offer on their own.
He said: “It is not easy to establish yourself in the industry. We are looking at making some strategic collaborations so that a break should not be hard. We have done three singles already and very soon we will release our album.”
The director said though the going has not been that easy, they are satisfied with the strides they have made so far.
“We have performed at some of the major music festivals such as Hangout and the Sand Music Festival. We have gained a lot from such experiences and we want to build on that to reach new heights,” said Dias.
The Nep Sounds and Event Management Company has a standing partnership with Sunbird Tourism plc and they jointly organise the annual Valentine’s Day Ball and Wedding Expo, among other events.
