Drama, emotions, twists and turns were all rolled up in one package called Sunbird Search for a Star during the first eviction show in Lilongwe, where four music wannabes were chopped.
Love was in the air as the 16 contestants performed different songs of artists such as Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Rihanna among others under the theme of love.
One of the contestants who entertained the fans was John Chiumia from Mangochi who did a rendition of Bob Marley’s One Love. The first ever rastaman to enter Malawi’s sole talent hunt show was in high spirits and jammed through the song with so much energy that left emcee Chigo Gondwe Chokani saying “Bob Marley is alive.”
Supported by Malimba Band, the contestants were a marvel to watch with a majority of them performing much better than the launch show in Blantyre held on August 16. Even the judges Mervin Hanke, Dumisani Mfune and Rudo Mkukupa Chakwera could not hide their excitement over the depth and quality of the performances.
Their dressing by Lilly Alfonso also added colour to the event that attracted a sizeable crowd.
However, with eviction based on last week’s performance, the audience was in for a shock as six of the contestants that found themselves on the hot seats had done a remarkable job this time around.
Vimbai Bokosi, Thandi Kamanga, Miracle Ndonani, Mirriam Phiri, Arthur Chirwa and Stan Mphepo all faced the judges in a major twist that excited both the contestants and the audience. After much deliberations by the judges, Bokosi and the visibly emotional Kamanga were saved while the other four kissed goodbye to the K1 million and recording deal top prize.
The event that started almost an hour late as the venue was also being used in the afternoon, according to the projects director Felix Njawala, also saw people enjoying music from Lawi.
The artist, one by one engaged all the judges in singing with him the Amaona Kuchedwa hit, a move that excited patrons.
The public has now two weeks of voting for their favourite contestants as the next eviction show will be on September 13 at Mount Soche in Blantyre.
To vote , sms a code number of the favourite contestants to 0888267722.n
