All roads in the Eastern Malawi district of Balaka will on Sunday lead to Zuc Lodge where Alleluya Band has organised a special gig to honour its living music legends.
Some of the old members to be honoured include veteran musician Sir Paul Banda, Lucius Banda, Charles Sinetre, Foster Chimangafisi, Martin Kalima, Noel Makadali, Elias Kamoto, Vincent Kachingwe, Pat ‘Abig’ Tung’ande and Dyson Chikoti.
Coss Chiwalo, one of the organisers of the show, said they want to give public respect to these stars for the contribution they made to the band’s 35-year lifespan.
“Alleluya Band is what it is today because of their dedication and effort. It’s very important to honour them while they are still alive. We should not honour them when they are dead,” said Chiwalo.
He said during the gig, each of the legends is expected to perform at least two songs backed by Alleluya Band. And to help people reminisce their heydays, the veterans will perform one song.
“I urge people to come in numbers to see our revered legends who contributed a lot in the country’s music industry. This will be a special moment as it is happening for the first time,” said Chiwalo.
One of the legends, Kalima, who served Alleluya Band for 27 years as a drummer and vocalist, expressed gratitude for the rare recognition.
“I am delighted that I will be honoured while I am still alive. It’s a great thing to me and I thank Alleluya Band for recognising the contribution some of us made to the success of the band,” said Kalima.
Alleluya Band, which started in 1978, will be commemorating its 35th anniversary this year and the main show will be held at the Balaka Stadium in September or October.
According to the band’s website, alleluyaband.org, the group will tour Italy to perform as part of fundraising towards the opening of the new Comfort Paediatric Clinic at Andiamo campus in Balaka.
“We salute Fr. Mario Pacifici for granting us an opportunity to go to Italy not only to entertain but also raise funds to run the new paediatric hospital” admits Paul Subiri the deputy band leader. The band is well-known in Italy and beyond due to the several tours it has made in the past years.
The band shall also proceed to attend the World Youth Day to take place in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, as endorsed by Mangochi Diocese. It is hoped that band members will be able to meet Pope Francis in Brazil.
