Gospel artists raise funds for cyclone survivors

Some gospel artists in the Southern Region on Sunday held a concert at Robins Park in Blantyre to raise funds for Cyclone Freddy survivors.

Leader of the organising committee Favoured Martha said as artists they do not have a lot of resources, but they have talent which they want to use to raise funds for the cause.

“We are urging our fans to support us in whatever way they can. Either by patronising our fundraising concerts or donating relief items. These will go a long way in helping those who lost everything,” she said.

Favoured Martha celebrated the fact that the concert was highly patronised.

“We appreciate the support from our fans,” she said.

Guest of honour at the event, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa said he felt obliged to attend the concert because of its noble cause.

“I have said repeatedly that this situation is ours to handle. We need to hold hands and support each other regardless of our other interests in life,” he said.

Nankhumwa said all Malawians need to take part in helping those affected to rebuild their lives.

During the concert, which started at 1.20pm, musicians such as Ethel Kamwendo-Banda, Daughter of Zion Phaylce Mang’anda, King James Phiri, Neligo Women’s Choir and Ndirande Anglican Voices took turns to perform.

Dubbed Easter Celebration, the event had impressive performances from the artists who outdid each other on stage with interactions with patrons, voice and dance routines.

Neligo Women’s Choir were first to jump on stage with their songs Yudasi and Sudzaupeza Mtendere before paving the way for Daughter of Zion Phalyce Mang’anda. She was followed by Mable Lwanda and later Steve Wazisomo Muliya who doubled as the master of ceremony.

Muliya performed songs, including Chisomo, with his energetic dance moves supported by a dance team.

Next was Favoured Martha who performed before Ndirande Anglican Voices took over. Ethel Kamwendo Banda and King James Phiri wrapped up the show.

Nankhumwa donated K500 000 while other patrons gave different amounts of money towards the cause.

This is not the first time that artists have organised a concert to raise funds for Cyclone Freddy survivors. Three weeks ago, Southern Region-based artists also held a show at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Limbe under Musicians Union of Malawi for the same cause.

The artists also held another show in Lilongwe a week later.