Lulu, Tay Grin wow South Bend
In what was Lulu’s final and Tay Grin’s first show in South Bend, Indiana in the United States of America, little was left to the imagination on how supremely gifted these artists are.
The two put up a spirited performance that will remain in history as one of the greatest performances by Malawian artists in the USA.
By 9pm Eastern time on Saturday April 29, Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant and Bar, which has hosted the show, was already filled tothe brim by people.
DJ Edmund ‘E Dub’ Chiphwanya opened the night with scintillating vibes on the decks to warm the house up. And when the first supporting artist Jay Stranger, real name Joel Mwale, took to the stage, the mood was already set.
The Nyau king travelled to the US last month with two Malawian drummers, John Saidi and Kassim Ali. Now, if Jay Stranger had brought life to the show, then the two talented drummers were a breath of fresh air. They played the drums with such energy and skill that shook the ballroom.
“We are so thrilled to be in the US and we thank Tay Grin for always being supportive of our artistry and of course the Malawian community here for the love and support,” said Saidi on the sidelines of the show.
DJ Ken Malomboza supported Tay Grin and the Nyau king oozed energy, class and stage mastery.
When asked by this reporter whether he had specially prepared for this performance, Tay Grin just smiled and said: “This is me. This is how I perform. This is what I do best and I had to give South Bend my best.”
By midnight, the dance floor had no space. Yet the night was just about to begin.
As fan-favourite Lulu, real name Lawrence Khwisa, was about to grace the stage, Peter Palika, who had travelled all the way from Ontario, Canada, said: “I have travelled all the way from Canada with my Canadian wife because she loves Lulu so much and I am excited that we are here.”
Lulu’s team comprised Chicago-based Amos ‘Dramos’ Mlolowa on the drums, South Bend-based Apatsa ‘Black Lion’ Kwilimbe on the bass and himself. For those who are ardent Malawi music enthusiasts, they will agree that these three are instrumentalists par excellence and legends from way back in the days in Malawi.
What was to follow was a performance that will be talked about for a long time.
He opened his set with Mwachenjera Darling. The trio performed to a fun-thirst audience for close to two hours until the patrons could dance no more. It was game over, performance sealed and delivered to perfection.
“It has been an amazing experience for me in America. Good vibes, good people, home away from home. I have met extremely amazing and loving Malawians. This last show was testament of how Malawians miss us abroad because they showed up in numbers,” said Lulu in an interview with The Nation.
Music fan Khumbo Harawa also praised the visiting Malawian artists for their performance.
“This is a show to die for. Lulu and Tay Grin have given us an inspired performance and these are masters at work,” he said. Organisers of the show, Magic Fingers and Black Tie Event, expressed satisfaction with how it turned out.
