Illusionz Fest journey takes off

Over the years, the entertainment landscape has witnessed births and demise of some arts and culture events.

Regardless of the initial pomp and fanfare that most of these events take off with, it has become evident that the organisers have failed to sustain the momentum. As a result, some of the festivals die natural deaths.

Last weekend, the Illusionz Beach Festival rolled into gear with its maiden edition at Kingfisher Inn in Mangochi. For months, organisers of the event, Illusionz Club, had created massive hype in promoting the festival.

A long list of some of Malawi’s top artists was unveiled months earlier. The local ensemble was complemented by a line-up of four South African top artists: DJ Tira, DJ Maphorisa, Eemoh and Kabza De Small.

Out of the four South African acts, only Kabza De Small failed to make it to Malawi under circumstances which were not well-explained by the organisers. The disappointment among festival goers was huge as many had anticipated to watch the Abalele hit-maker in his debut performance in Malawi.

The organisers applied every effort in tightening security at the event. Three heavily-manned security checks were mounted along the route leading to the entrance of the venue. In all these spots, rigorous checks were conducted for every car going inside.

Inside, were well-demarcated parking spaces, one for the VIP section which was only accessed through a fee, and another regular one. There was heavy security within both slots which ensured there were no vehicle break-ins in the duration of the festival.

Perhaps, what surprised the patrons most was the decision by the organisers to send back two artists; Malinga and Don Tarz for reportedly showing up late for their sets. The two artists were among the first acts on the opening day of the festival.

However, people were surprised to see reggae band Black Missionaries performing first. As the event progressed, it emerged that the two were turned back for delaying their schedule.

The organisers said punctuality is of essence in their organisation and that they would not tolerate deliberate lapses in their set-up. Illusionz Club executive Martin Nyirenda said they have standards they adhere to in their organisation.

“It does not make sense for an artist to miss a schedule which was announced three days earlier. We need to bring sanity with the way we approach these issues,” he said.

The festival’s coordinator Alinane Njolomole said the event is a five-year project and people should be assured of having the event for the next four years.

He said: “We set out the event as a project. What people have experienced this year is just the beginning. We are happy with the standards we have set. It is a bar that others will need to follow to match us. We aim to build on this success.”

One of the artists who participated at the event,Temwah, said the organisers did well in offering a different experience for an event which is just starting. The artist particularly singled out the issue of security as one of the standout elements.

However, she feels the sending back of their colleagues somehow brought a negative vibe among the artists. Temwah said next time the organisers should ensure that artists are treated with respect and dignity.

“They need to manage artists properly. The delay Malinga faced was mainly a result of arrangements at the entrance. It was not his fault, but he was treated unfairly,” she said.

On his part, Saint said the show was well-organised and he said he cannot wait to perform on the platform again.

“I would like to commend them for ensuring that disciplined reigned during the event. It was a good place. They showed so much value to the artists. It was a smooth experience. They have started on a high,” he said.

One of the sponsors, HS Beverages and Hospitality, producers of the alcoholic CapeStars spirits, through the general manager Darlington Ndasauka said it is encouraging that such events are providing opportunities for local businesses.

Said Ndasauka: “The quest of promoting art in Malawi should be a collective effort. It is nice that Illusionz Beach Festival allowed other players within the equation to be part of the event. They have started off well and it is our belief that next year they will come back even stronger.”