Armstrong, Symon& Kendal rock Lilongwe

Lilongwe jived to tunes of two worlds when Armstrong and Symon& Kendal duo launched their albums on Sunday.

Both sides of the Dickensian affair were characterised by high patronage despite Soldier Lucius Banda’s farewell jam for Botswana’s Makhirikhiri at Lilongwe Golf Club and the self-crowned Gospel Big Five concert at Sheaffer ICA Marque.

With the cream of the Malawi beat spread across the capital, Symon& Kendal opted to launch their Nkhwiko DVD at Kalambo Open Ground in Area 25 while Armstrong stormed Sunbird Capital Marque to unveil his Ndele album.

The crowds that followed the NyembaNyemba Boys and Armstrong were a toast to the popularity of the two releases which are dominating the airwaves.

Powered by Nde’feyo Entertainment label, Armstrong’s affair featured a playlist of proven performers, including ragga queen Wendy Harawa, Pisky, Skeffa Chimoto and Tay Grin.  The soulful Ndele hitmaker turned the audience into sing-alongs with the hit single Ndamusowa.

However, the free jam at Area 25 could be likened to a political rally, for Nkhwiko is the height of the jokes and forthright narratives that form the cardinal ingredients of the foodies’ NyembaNyemba vibe.  Guest artists included comic Annie Matumbi, reggae star Hax Momba, youthful Gracian Nyambo and Frank Zithyola.

 “We sing for the people in the village. They buy our music and hardly know anything about [CD] burning. We are proud of them. That is why we decided to take the first launch of the album to Area 25,” said Kendal Kamwendo.