Paul Banda eyes first festival performance
Nine months after rebranding his music career and live performances, Balaka-based musician Paul Banda eyes his first festival performance.
The veteran musician has been shortlisted to perform at the forthcoming Sunbird Sand Festival scheduled for October 4-6 2013 at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi.
Banda relaunched his career in December last year and joined hands with Alleluya Band. Since then, he has been performing live on stage with the group.
“I feel like a new figure in the music industry and I am very excited at the direction my career is taking. Performing on stage has given me a direct interaction with my fans and it is very motivating,” said Banda in an interview, adding that he delayed to perform on stage because he felt he was not matured enough.
He added that he is very excited to perform at the festival. Banda said although the festival comes as a challenge to his new direction, he is pleased and looking forward to it.
“It will be a learning and teaching experience for me. There is little that I know which fellow artists will learn from me and I will also learn from them. I am very prepared and as a band, our preparations are going on smoothly and we are all ready for the festival.”
Banda said he is honoured that the organisers settled for him and the band.
“I am taking it as an advantage to showcase the best of me. I know there will be many cameras and many foreign artists and this is an opportunity for me to be known countrywide and beyond,” said Banda.
Banda’s first live performance after relaunching his music career was at the Bwalo la Aluso awards in Lilongwe where he not only thrilled his fans but also proved that he is a force to reckon with in the music circles. Exceptional was his composure and enthusiasm on stage coupled with his strong vocals.
Jai Banda aka Mr Entertainer has watched the old-hand several times and says Banda is an artist to be utilised.
“Banda is a complete artist who gives the real professional touch of stage performance. Very few have his calibre. His stage antics are unique. Artists should really learn from him,” said Mr Entertainer.
