Faith Mussa, Mafilika on China tour
If performances by Malawian artists outside the country are anything to go by, then the industry is destined for more success.
With a number of high-profile gigs lined up for Mafilika as the band tours in the United Stated, United Kingdom in June, the Afrojazz band is currently in China for a series of shows.
The band is on tour of Asia’s biggest economy, performing together with Faith Mussa, one of Malawi’s gospel talents.
“I have been invited together with Mafilika Band. We will have five shows in five cities,” said Mussa, before the group’s departure on Thursday.
The artists are being hosted by Real Live House, a music promotion label in Beijing.
“We have been connected by a friend studying there and partly sponsored by one businessperson here in Malawi. We were spotted online through the performances that we have had.
“You remember I toured the UK last year with Amaravi, I have performed in South Africa with Peter Mawanga. And Mafilika toured Holland, England and are scheduled to tour with The Very Best in June. With all this publicity, we have been recommended for this tour,” explained the artist.
Throughout the tour, the Desperate star will be backed by Mafilika, while at some shows, the band will also perform on their own.
The four-piece band comprises Ernest Ikwanga on lead guitar and lead vocals, Ephraim Chirwa on bass guitar, Sam Mjura Mkandawire on keyboards and backing vocals and Amos Mlolowa on drums.
The tour will take the Malawian artists to five cities, including the commercial hub of Guangzhou and tourism highlight of Shanghai.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, their first show initially lined up for Friday in Shenzhen, has been rescheduled for today, according to Mjura.
“There were some logistical issues to do with our arrival and the booking, therefore, that show has been rescheduled. But we arrived safely and sound and people loved our first performance in Xiamen on Saturday night. We had a resounding reception. We can’t wait to perform in the other cities.
“Today we will be performing in Guangzhou, on Monday we will be in Shenzhen and on Wednesday, we will be in Shanghai before finishing our tour in Beijing,” said Mjura, who recently won the Airtel Trace Music Stars.
