Lawi, Eli Njuchi lead fundraising concert

Musicians Lawi and Eli Njuchi held a fundraising show at Comesa Hall in Blantyre dubbed Giving Back Concert to raise funds for school-going children.

The show, co-organised by non-governmental organisation Good Neighbours Malawi, targeted to raise K40 million to help 2 500 children the organisation is taking care of under its school feeding programme in eight schools in Lilongwe and four in Kasungu.

The two artists entertained the sizeable patronage that turned up for the event during their combined six-hour performance.

First on the stage was Eli Njuchi. Elegantly dressed in a navy blue suit, the singer gave a rare corporate appeal.

His dressing did not restrict him in any way. When he got on stage, he applied himself with verve and passion that has always been a trademark of his performances.

The patrons in the huge enclosure seemed to spur the youthful musician even further as they cheered him on during his performance.

His popular compositions such as Gugugu and Yabaya, which he did with Zambian Yo Maps, formed part of his catalogue on the night.

The artist said his outing on Sunday night is likely to be his last in Blantyre this year.

“I am pleased to be associated with such a cause. What was even special for me was to share the stage with ‘Malume’ Lawi. He is an artist I admire so much. It really felt good,” he said.

The Afro-jazz maestro himself Lawi, also looked every part of the occasion spotting a black suit with a matching shirt and bowtie.

His usual stage companion, his guitar was strapped around his neck and from the first moment, he looked to be fired up for the night.

He impressed with his guitar playing prowess, but that was not all. His dancing moves also proved to be a big hit with the audience. It was no surprise that the patrons abandoned their seats and swarmed the area just adjacent to the podium.

In a post-event interview, Lawi said the idea was for them to create space to send the message across on the need to help the school-going children that are in need. He said he believes that objective was achieved successfully. 

He said: “There is an opportunity for us to educate the next generation by providing them an opportunity to eat adequately. I am calling upon all so that we rise to the occasion and support these kids.

“Education is the best gift that you can give to any generation. So we do not need to remind anyone of how special this feels.  We hope even those at home will step up and play their part.”

Good Neighbours Malawi programmes manager Adams Lupale said being the festive season, they thought it would be good to have people come together to give back to the society.

“We are thankful that we have been supported. We are grateful to the people who have come and those who have supported us from the background by donating directly for the cause,” he said.