Paul Banda and his younger brother Lucius made a pleasant reunion with Alleluya Band on Sunday at Zuc Lodge in Balaka where the band organised a gig to honour Balaka living music legends.
The 12-hour power blackout that hit the district never marred the memorable occasion that started at around 3pm.
The legends that included Sir Paul, ‘Soldier’ Lucius, Charles ‘Reggae Ambassador’ Sinetre, Foster Chimangafisi, Mattias ‘Amjiba’ Kalima, Noel Makadali (in absentia), Elias Kamoto, Vincent Kachingwe, Pat ‘Abig’ Tung’ande, Phillimon Mwamadi and Samson Chikoti received glittering trophies and rosaries.
“We wanted to give public respect to these living legends for the contribution they made to the band. Without their effort and dedication, we would not be celebrating Alleluya Band’s 35th anniversary today,” said founder of the band Fr. Mario Pacifici.
‘Soldier’ stepped on stage at 15:45 and dished out Ndiwe M’bale Wanga and Kuno Zavuta. He decided to bow out after a 10-minute performance.
But the jubilant audience forced him to continue. Lucius, who was coming from another show in Mangochi and was rushing to perform in Lilongwe the same day, then immediately pulled out Paulendo from his new album Time.
Paul, accompanied by Kalima, Sinetre, Kamoto and Chimangafisi took to stage at 17:15 to remind people of their good old days. He performed Timtamande Ambuye, Nthawi Imafika and Malilime among others.
Sir Paul paved the way for Ana a Chisale star Tung’ande whose energetic stage performance left the audience wondering why he prematurely quit Alleluya Band.
Sinetre wound up the show at exactly 19:00 leaving the patrons asking for more.
“I am extremely happy that we have been honoured while we are still alive,” said Paul.
“It’s a rare treat, others prefer to honour people when they are dead. I am personally delighted that Alleluya Band management is recognising the contribution some of us made to the success of the band,” he added.
Alleluya Band, which started in 1978, will be commemorating its 35th anniversary this year and the main show will be held at Balaka Stadium in September or October.
