Sakala proves his worth
Zambia’s Afro jazz artist James Sakala’s name is fairly new on the Malawi music scene.
So, when some music fansheard of his performance in Malawi, there must have been some doubtingThomases.
Even some that turned up on December 8 at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre where Sakala performed with award-winning Faith Mussa, confessed to have only found the time because of the local talent.
However, at the end of the night, the merrymakers understood why for two consecutive years, Stanbic Bank in Zambia is stuck with Sakala for its annual music festival.
During the three years, the Zambian artist has shared the stage with global stars; UB40, Boyz II Men, Joe Thomas and Brian McKnight.
So on Saturday night, already, the odds were not in favour of the Zambian. The Carlsberg beer fest, just a kilometre away was surely another cause for worry.
But when he stepped onto the stage, he made such an impression on the fans that filled to capacity Crossroads Hotel’s auditorium.
He is a fresh sound both in and out of Zambia, but his talent promises to be out there, for long.
Boasting of Kalindula music, popular in Zambia, the artist’s prowess lies in the originality of his compositions and rhythm. That was enough motivation for Sakala to strike a chord with his fans.
His playing of guitar and percussions particularly the bongos, kongas and shakers attested to his artistry on music instruments.
He performed a number of songs from his debut album, Insale, a Bemba word for strings.
“This is a faith-inspired project as what I have experienced in life has moved me to do positive music,” he commented about the album for which he wrote all the songs.
Armed with vocal capability, rich sound and energy, Sakala sung effortlessly while his fingers did the guitar magic.
The highlight of the performance was arguably when he took the audience down the memory lane with Paul Ngozi’s Bauze (Awuze), sending some fans to the dance floor.
Earlier, Mussa once again showed what he is known for, a testament of why months in and out, he gets to perform outside Malawi.
While many fans have watched him perform, there is something peculiar with the artist such that every performance turns out to be fresh and mellow.
But it was the hit, Selophoni which fans enjoyed more. The song talks of Christians of today worshiping their phones instead of God.
“Anthu akupeza mabanja pa cell phone, Mbalume yabanja anthu akupanga pa phone, Mabanja akutha nkhani yake selophoni.” It enticed almost the whole room to dancing while singing along.
Sakala might have left home for Zambia but the manner he left will live forever. “Thank you Malawi, I will come again, for this is home,” he said.
