Malawian artists clash in Zambia

Malawian artists Lucius Banda and Skeffa Chimoto Friday night had a clash on foreign territory, as the two had shows just across the road in Katete, Zambia on the fringes of the Kulamba Ceremony.

The two musicians blamed the incident on Zambian promoters. The development led to Lucius and some members of his Zembani Band performing at the Blue Moon Night Club, while Skeffa was just 50 metres away, across the road, at the Malo Gardens.

Lucius was dismayed at the clash, which left patrons to choose between the two, or hop from one venue to the other to get an equal experience of the two Malawian artists.

“It is sad that promoters here did not know what was going on just a few metres from their venue. It’s like me and Skeffa performing in one hall. Unfortunately, people are paying double the price,” said Lucius.

Skeffa was equally dismayed: “I didn’t know Lucius was performing here as well, until I saw some posters. It has been hard, but nonetheless, we say thank you to all the people who made it to the show.”

For the patrons, even the Zambians, it was difficult who to give the Zambian K20 000 billing both shows were pegged at. That is from random interviews.

“Lucius ni vara. I can’t miss his show,” said one taxi driver, meaning Lucius is a respected artist. A big man, if you like.

A lady, who treads wares in the Eastern Province town, said: “I can’t miss Skeffas (sic). He is good. I love his Bwenzi Langa.”

Skeffa, who goes to Lusaka on September 1, was performing at the Kulamba fringes for the fourth time.

He performed alongside Thomas Chibade, whose renditions of several Lucky Dube numbers brought together the audience, with Skeffa’s Real Sounds Band’s Dan Muyaya rocking the patrons with a few of his compositions.

The Zembani crew included keyboardists Sam Simakweli and Kanthu Kalinda, alias Kaka, whose mimicry of several Malawian artists has given him an edge.