Malawi waits for Kizz Daniel experience
It was a long wait made even longer, but music fans endured it all and the ultimate prize was a spirited performance by Nigerian superstar Kizz Daniel.
Even the seven-hour lapse in the starting schedule could not undo the euphoria that had engulfed the Lilongwe Golf Club.
The music lovers waited on and on to see events kick into life. The endless sound checks on the huge and beautifully mounted stage provided the only real distraction for hours on end.
Finally, a host of local acts, led by songstress Tuno took turns in raising the curtain for the night’s music cocktail. The Epic Lifestyle Concert had finally come to life.
Provoice, Driemo, Eli Njuchi, Sangie, Janta, Wendy Harawa and Phyzix all had their time on stage before the huge audience that had filled almost every space of the venue.
But the anxiety among most fans was evident. The programme on paper showed that Kizz Daniel would be the last performer on the night.
As time ticked into the early hours of Sunday, some patrons started leaving the venue visibly feeling disapointed with the organisation of the show.
“I wish I stayed to watch him perform. He is the reason why I am here, but as the programme suggests, he will be on stage around 4am or 5am. I will not manage,” said one patron identified as Ethel Kusamba from Area 2 as she made her way out.
The developments triggered the organisers to alter their programme and patrons were in for a surprise when co-host Blak Jak announced the coming of the headliner on stage. The Lilongwe Golf Club went into frenzy.
Dressed in an outrageously fashioned white and pink gear, the Nigerian stormed on stage with pomp. And the patrons roared in a show of welcome.
From the onset, Kizz Daniel looked a man on a mission and he did not let anything derail his focus. He wanted to give patrons a good music experience and he did it to perfection.
He performed his hits such as Poko, Oshe, Lie, Sofa and Pour Me Water during his one-hour set which ended at exactly 2:35am.
The audience sang along to all of his songs line by line. In response to the love thrown at him, the artist continuously shook hands with the fans. At some point he invited a lady for a dance on stage.
“Malawi, don’t sleep, don’t sleep. Nobody sleeps when Kizz Daniel is on stage,” he shouted.
The best was, however, reserved for last. The song that probably everyone was waiting for, Buga was finally cued in.
He said: “This is the song for Africa. It is a show of how big we are. Today Malawi you will make me Buga tonight.”
As per his wish, indeed the audience made him Buga. The patrons begged for an encore after he finished the song. As he left the stage, the DJ duly played the song as the patrons roared on.
The night’s business was not done though. Patience Namadingo, Tay Grin, Lulu, the Black Missionaries Band and Anthony Makondetsa were yet to take to the stage.
They had the task to take the show into the early hours of yesterday when the curtain finally closed at 6:30am on Sunday.
