Lulu smiles with Kasungu fans
Local guitar maestro Lulu wowed music lovers in Kasungu on Saturday evening when he performed at the Green Liberty Festival at Chikho Hotel in the municipality.
It was not exactly the platform that he is used to as the space in the small room where the event took place was a bit small. But the limited space he had before him did not prevent him from putting up a big performance.
With age, the music composer and singer is proving to be a master at his art. His studio work and stage performances are leaving little room for his critics. Watching him on stage, you see an artist who is ready to conquer the world.
It was a rare treat for music lovers from the municipality who had the Green Liberty Festival to thank for delivering an entertainment buffet at their doorstep. Lulu himself could not hide his delight with the opportunity to perform in Kasungu.
“It has been long. I don’t remember the last time I performed here. To see these smiling faces makes me happy,” he said.
The patrons, who filled the small hall to the brim, reflected nothing but a feeling of ecstasy and satisfaction upon seeing the artist. They roared and sang along throughout his time on stage.
Lulu was backed by his Mathumela Band which included renowned saxophonist Dan Sibale.
The Lilongwe-based ace dished out some of his best compositions such as Pemphero Langa, Hannah, Mbambande and Tsogolo Ndi Lowala.
He further awed the patrons when he infused what he called a Michael Jackson touch on Mbambande. The artist imitated the departed pop icon almost to perfection, leaving the patrons out of their breath.
When he signalled for his final bow, the patrons showed a huge resistance and he did not wish to erase the smiles that he had brought on their faces. He gave them one more song and left the stage to a huge ovation.
Apart from Lulu’s music performance, the festival, held for the first time, also showcased an art exhibition, poetry, fashion show and dancing.
Poet Robert Chiwamba made a long trip from Karonga to perform at the event.
The festival’s director Joseph Chirwa was pleased with the outcome of the event, saying the objectives of the festival had been met.
He said: “It is a continuous engagement as we try to bring everybody in to be part of the solution. People from Kasungu should be really proud of what they have done today. They have set an example to the world.”
The festival was designed to recognise local talent at the same time provide a platform to the local creatives to show the world the role they can play in contributing to a cleaner environment through art.
