Makangala launches gospel trophy

Blantyre-based renowned gospel musicians Favoured Martha, Mau K and Chimwemwe Chaima kept the audience on their feet during the launch of the K1 million (US$2 500) Eunice Makangala Gospel Music Trophy at Ndirande Kachere Church in Blantyre on Saturday.

Mau K was the first to storm the stage, dishing Marching to Jerusalem in which he was joined by Chimwemwe Chaima.

When her turn came, Chaima was up to the task, performing the hits Africa Will be Saved and Choka Satana before the lady of the moment Favoured Martha stormed the stage with Ndi Nthawi Yanu andOndikonda Ndili Naye which forced the area’s MP and competition benefactor Eunice Makangala off her executive seat to join in on the dancing podium.

The artists commended Makangala for introducing the competition; saying it would help improve the quality of gospel music in the country.

Makangala said the competition is meant to encourage the choristers to preach through gospel music.

“This competition has been launched so that all choir groups in the constituency should interact with each other despite coming from different churches. It is our intention that Islamic choral groups should compete among themselves while Christian groups also compete among themselves,” said Makangala.

The two month-long competition is expected to see the winner walk away with K200 000 (US$500), second placed K150 000 (US$375) while the third place will get K100 000 (US$250) and K25 000 (US$62.5) each for the quarter finalists.