Musicians show up for Cyclone Freddy survivors

It was not an ordinary night as secular and gospel musicians  met with a common purpose. They all performed live on stage, beamed on Mibawa Television, while appealing for donations for Tropical Cyclone Freddy survivors.

And so, one by one they started their performances in earnest at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall.

Hosted by musicians Rina and Steve Muliya, the night looked promising from the word go with the likes of Ril B dominating the initial stages of the event.

When gospel artists took over one by one from 10pm, donations started coming in with frequent stops to change mobile money numbers due to traffic congestion on the mobile money lines.

Eliza Mponya, Gloria Manong’a, Ethel Kamwendo-Banda, Favoured Martha, Steve Muliya and King James Phiri in quick succession took turns to entertain the patrons.

Dressed to impress, the gospel brigade came to entertain.

Kamwendo-Banda proved that she is still the queen of gospel music as patrons jumped and danced to her songs while waving small pieces of cloths in the air as is her tradition with her fans during live performances.

She performed Ndi Umboni, Gwira Yesu and a praise and worship song.

“We gather here today with a purpose of unity. We appeal to you to donate whatever little you have so that we help those affected by the storm,” she said.

After Kamwendo-Banda’s  performance, Favoured Martha, dressed in a body hugging cotton dress with the Malawi national flag colours, appeared on stage.

She too took charge of things with confidence and zeal as patrons danced and sang along. When she performed Akudziwa, the mood changed as the song resonated with the situation at hand.

Favoured Martha took time to appeal to patrons at the venue as well as those watching on television at home to donate towards the cause.

After her performance, secretary general of Musicians Union of Malawi Tony Chimatimati said as a union, they felt duty-bound to hold the concert to raise funds for those in need.

“We have our brothers and sisters who have lost everything. I pray that we give any little amount. It will go a long way. God bless you all,” he said, before leading the musicians in a solidarity song.

Clad in a glittering gold cinderella dress, Princess Chitsulo was picture perfect as she stepped on stage to perform some of her  song, including Moyo Kuwawa and Ndidzayimba Nyimbo.

Former MUM president   Manong’a was next followed by Phalyce Mang’anda who also excited fans with her song Mundiyendere Ineyo.

Muliya and King James Phiri were next with their equally great performances. Then it was time for secular artists to wind up the show.

Zembani Band’s Sam Smacks opened the set with Sofia, Ndimasilira and Ndakudikira. He played the lead guitar throughout his performance.

Gibo Pearson, who himself is a survivor of the storm, jumped on stage after Sam Smack to perform his hit songs, Idzathera Mapenalty and Atambwali. Waxy K was next with four songs including Mutsutsane Nawo originally done with his mother Mama Mary Kapenga.

Bucci proved how dedicated he is to promote sign language as he brought a sign language interpreter on stage during his performance which was also probably the longest set. He did Wofo, Ndiyima Pa Chulu, Golide and a new production specifically about the cyclone.

Zeze Kingstone demonstrated that he is a stage darling as his performance was almost ‘drowned’ with patrons’ voices overpowering him. He did Ndathela Pano and Alamu which is an anthem among his fans.

Tuno, Taril, AB Salima came after Zeze Kingstone at around 3am, rapper Phyzix shut down the event with his electrifying performance with patrons reluctantly leaving the venue.

As of the time of going to print, the show had raised about K3 million.