Lawi, Amira deliver the Kumbali concert goods

It was an inaugural event, but the Standard Bank Plc sponsored Kumbali Live music show on Saturday night tasted like old wine.

Afro-jazz star Lawi, like always, mesmerised. South African international performer Amira Faku won the hearts of many while rising local soul singer George Kalukusha soothed every soul.

 Held at the secluded Kumbali Castle in Lilongwe City, the show attracted scores of music fans of all ages. They danced, meditated, drank, ate and sang along.

 And, when the band stopped playing at around 11pm after Faku’s set and the dance floor was clearing up, there was an air of contrasting feelings.

 “I am satisfied because all the performances were top-notch. I am unsatisfied because I felt it was too good to end,” remarked ecstatic patron Mercy Lapukeni.

Kalukusha opened the show. His deep metallic voice and his guitar were clearly his main assets. He performed songs such as Sendeza and Desperado.

Then came Lawi and fire was lit. The crowd drew closer to the stage that was immersed in the natural and artificial nightly illumination.

His set included the famous songs Lilongwe, Therere and Amaona Kuchedwa, delivered in the rays of phone camera flashes.

 Faku’s turn followed. Dressed in a glittering dress, complete with a stretching long slit, she sang with her lungs and heart out, serving the patrons with Umthandazo, Phakade Lami and Sondela, among other tracks.

“Thank you Malawi. It’s my time to go,” she screamed before leaving the stage, surrounded by a group of security men.

A visibly delighted Standard Bank chief executive officer Phillip Madinga, who was in attendance, described the night as beautiful.

“This was a perfect evening to sit and enjoy while connecting with each other—customers, families, and friends—in a light-hearted atmosphere amidst chatter, music and indeed great company,” he said.

 The concert marks Standard Bank’s return into the music fold following a Covid-19 pandemic-induced break.

 “We are back on the stage and will use tonight’s experience to learn on how we can collaborate together with the young entrepreneurs in music, our customers, arts sector and as a bank,” Madinga said.

Standard Bank partnered with Nature’s Gift, which owns Kumbali Country Lodge, Lawi Group and music promotion outfit, Pa Khonde Limited.