Ku Mingoli Bash returns on Saturday at Aero Lounge in Lilongwe after several flip-flops encountered by event management company Sound Addicts Live, including an announcement of the discontinuation the event, .
In March this year, Sound Addicts Live said they had decided to step away from the high-scale festival space in light of the evolving strategic priorities the company was undergoing, a move that shocked many entertainment enthusiasts.
Their statement read in part: “Recognising the strong brand identity and cultural value that the festival has built over the years, we are open to discussions with interested parties regarding the potential acquisition of the Ku Mingoli Bash.”
Sound Addicts Live also announced the transitioning of the brand name to SAL Limited.
But in April, the company made a U-turn, by announcing the return of the event with the Ku Mingoli Bash Pool Party Edition comeback show scheduled for July 18.
SAL Limited chief executive officer and creative director Shadreck Kalukusha said at the time: “We went back to restrategise, regroup and also talk to potential sponsors and partners because we did not want to have an event which is mediocre under Ku Mingoli.”
True to their word, the organisers have really rung changes in their organisational set-up, the most notable one being the departure to have the event headlined by international artists. This year, Namadingo will carry the headliner burden.
The development comes at a time when there is growing pressure in the country and across the region for event organisers to ditch South African artists in reaction to the on going anti-migrant attacks taking place in the rainbow nation.
But, Kalukusha speaking in an interview yesterday, said their decision was not premised on that.
He said: “We made our decision to stick to local acts late last year and early this year we made an announcement to the same effect because of other reasons outside the anti-migrant attacks. We do not agree with the notion of not hiring South African artists because that will also make us appear xenophobic.”
Other artists appearing on the line up include Lulu, Zeze Kingston, Skeffa Chimoto, Teddy Makadi, KOTN, Joe Ikon and Agorosso, Dan Lu.
Kalukusha said the performers are as good as they could have gotten internationally.
On his part Namadingo said the organisers need to be saluted for being brave to entrust a Malawian ensemble to carry through such a big event.
He said: “It is a point for us to prove ourselves that we have what it takes. But it is not surprising because over years we have shown that we have increased the level of our delivery and I am sure it will even be much better on Saturday.”
