Carlsberg Malawi supports Makondetsa’s launch

The seventh album of one of Malawi’s reggae stars Anthony Makondetsa will be launched on Saturday under the sponsorship of Carlsberg Malawi.

Makondetsa launches Fuko Lokondedwa at the Lilongwe Golf Club in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe. This comes after six successful albums Tisatengeke in 2000, Kamberembere in 2001, Maonekedwe, a 2003 production, Mfakamfaka in 2005, 2007’s Ndiribe Mlandu and the 2009’s Mbumba ya Abraham.

After close to a four year hiatus, Makondetsa, fondly called Mr Cool by fans due to his nonchalant personality, is back with a promise: “I am back, continuing from where I left in 2009.”

“There was no problem in as far releasing another album was concerned; it’s just that I had to give myself time to come back. Mbumba ya Abraham was one successful album and I had to make sure that when I am back, it has to be a continuation of where I stopped,” said Makondetsa.

“Again, I wanted to give people more time to enjoy the album. So yes, it has taken me almost four years to be back, but it will be a hit.”

The artist has clinched a deal with beer brewing company, Carlsberg Malawi Limited, which he says promises a good show in as far as promotion of the album is concerned.

“With my manager, we have managed to secure sponsorship from Carlsberg Malawi Limited for both the album launch in Lilongwe as well as in Blantyre, possibly in April. The sponsorship will also be available during all the big shows planned in future,” added Makondetsa.

He said he will sell the album on his own.

Lucius Banda and his Zembani Band, Piksy, Edgar ndi Davis, Black Missionaries, Giddes Chalamanda will be supporting artists during the launch.

Meanwhile, Carlsberg says its sponsorship is aimed at promoting local talent as well as Malawi music.

“Music is one area we have partnered with over the years to promote local talent.

“Further to this, we have partnered with the Black Missionaries and Anthony Makondetsa in relation to advertising for the year 2013 where we will also see the Blacks releasing Kuimba 9,” said senior brands manager for alcoholic beverages Twikale Chirwa.

According to Chirwa, Carlsberg has lined up a number of entertaining activities apart from splashing plenty of giveaways and selling its wide range of beer at special reduced rates.