Seasoned gospel musician Lloyd Phiri celebrated his silver jubilee anniversary with an Easter Monday show at Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) in Lilongwe.
Gospel music fans came in their large numbers for the celebration like no other. By 3 pm, the Bicc auditorium was full to the brim.
Before Lloyd Phiri and the Happiness Voices went on stage, well-known gospel acts such as Kamuzu Barracks Gospel Singers, gave an energetic performance that left fans asking for more.
Earlier Calvary Kids Choir helped warm up the stage. The young choir, dressed in church uniforms, entertained the audience with their songs.
Then it was time for the man of the day, Lloyd Phiri and the Happiness Voices to shake things up on stage.
In the first hour, Lloyd Phiri focused on worship. The shared programme accordingly indicated the show would include a moment of worship.
After the worship session, it was time for music. The singer and composer immediately performed some of his classics such as Afuna Ulape, Ndagwilitsa, Nkadangokhudza and Sachedwa Safulumira that built his name in the past 25 years.
He also performed his latest compositions such as Yehova Wosintha Nyengo and Chauta Watikomale Mtima. Fans moved from their seats for an up close feel near the stage, singing, dancing, and cheering. Some even gave him cash gifts to show appreciation.
After his three-hour performance, Lloyd Phiri left the stage and the baton was passed to acts such as Marvelous Deeds, Kondwani Chirwa, Evance Meleka, Shammah Vocals, Apostle Norman Phiri, and Great Angels Choir.
Speaking after his performance, Phiri thanked fans for coming to the event and said the past 25 years have been a blessing and people have supported him beyond expectation.
“I look back and I’m grateful I get to minister through music. More is yet to come and fans should expect more, this is not the end,” he said.
He also encouraged up-and-coming gospel artists to stay true to the gospel, saying everything else will follow if they honour the Lord in their music ministry.
