Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Jamaica affair

Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Jamaica were all represented during the 13th edition of the annual Sand Music Festival at Kambiri Beach in Salima.

Malawi had plenty of its cream on call. Yo Maps represented Zambia, Tanzania had Harmonize and the reggae home Jamaica had Busy Signal.

The line-up on Saturday probably presented the epicentre of the three-day event. The performers list evidently showed that. All the headliners came one after the other to showcase their talent.

First was Yo Maps. His appearance on Saturday beefed up an already exciting line-up. The patrons came in large numbers underlining that Sand Music Festival is one of the biggest events on the arts calendar.

But the start was tough and rough for Impakt Events, the organisers of the fest. They had to deal with electricity problems that delayed the start of the event by two hours. Even after the late start, the sound output did not impress.

Come Saturday, the game was on. There was a marked improvement in the sound output. The fun was electric. The performances were on point.

During the afternoon, patrons were content in watching the proceedings while enjoying some shade from the hot sun. But there was always going to be a reason to shake them up. That effect came through dancehall sensation Eli Njuchi.

The 19-year-old came on stage just before 6pm. His appearance was enough to entice patrons closer to the stage. The Gu gu gu magic was one not to be watched from a far and he indeed made the patrons dance. That signalled the start of a lively night.

Hip-hop artist Gwamba was next. His supporting cast mesmerised even before they sang. Their angelic all white attire beamed on the Ufulu 525 Experience stage.

Lulu came and did his magic, so did Janta and Piksy. New reggae music sensation Michael Mountain was another wonder on the day. Many were seeing him for the first time and the question among them was whether he was Malawian.

Zambia’s Yo Maps appeared on stage and the patrons roared to give him a resounding applause. But the moment which stood out was reserved for the last. He invited Eli Njuchi on stage and together did the song Gu gu gu. He made a public admission of his appreciation of the young Malawian artist and announced that they will soon release a collaboration.