Eli Njuchi soars higher
At just 19 years old and standing not more than 1.5 metres, blossoming music sensation Eli Njuchi, real name Chifuniro Magalasi, is not a giant.
But the transformation that his art is making him achieve is so huge that the giants in the music industry and away from it have recognised his increasing presence.
His magic and genius were testified on Sunday afternoon at Robin’s Park in Blantyre when he unveiled his debut album The Book of Eli.
The huge Robin’s Park venue was sold out and the atmosphere inside was infectious. The euphoria that those present were experiencing spilled over to social media. Those who could not enter the hall lingered outside, somehow enjoying the moment from a distance.
Inside the venue, real magic was taking place and music lovers were there to witness it all. After a number of supporting acts that included Hayze Engolah, Classick and Gemini Major, the man of the moment Eli Njuchi appeared.
He performed a number of his songs such as Phone and the recently released Honest, including a touching conversation he had with his father when he was leaving Lilongwe for Blantyre at the onset of his music career.
The young artist was moved to tears as he performed Z, a song that talks about how he envisions his funeral to be one day.
Among other highlights of the launch was the presence of rapper Charisma, who was voted as best live hip-hop act in the inaugural Malawi Hip Hop Music Awards on Sunday evening. His performance underlined why he was accorded the honour.
South Africa-based music producer and singer Gemini Major took the crowd to another level when he performed his hit song Ragga Ragga.
People expressed their awe at the manner the budding star had gripped the moment. Fellow musicians, art commentators and ordinary music lovers poured out their admiration and respect for the artist.
Hip hop artist Gwamba posted on his Facebook page: “The future is here! Eli Njuchi”. His message was accompanied by hands up emojis.
Another rapper Fredokiss posted: “History made. Congratulations Eli Njuchi.”
The genius of Eli Njuchi spilled over to the office of Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara who has since bought a copy of the album at K100 000.
“This young man needs our support. He will take Malawi to the world of music,” the Speaker wrote on her official Facebook page.
Such was how the magic of the Zitaye hit-maker swept across on Sunday. Inside the fully packed hall there were continuous chants and patrons witnessed the moment that a star was born. The patronage was a mixture of both the young and the old. n
Additional reporting by BRIAN ITAI, Staff Reporter.
