The independence musical show at Motel Paradise in Blantyre last Friday proved to be more than just a fund-raising event organised by St Mary’s Parish of the Catholic Church.
It was more of a musical talent exhibition which left patrons more than satisfied save for a few technical glitches that nonetheless failed to expunge the excitement that had already gripped the hall.
The line up of performers that included Saint, Blaze, ‘Sir’ Patricks, ‘Sir’ Paul Banda backed by the Mingoli Band as well as Skeffa Chimoto with the well-dressed Real Sounds Band gave out an impassioned performance.
The Chirimba-based reggae boys that later backed Blaze and ‘Sir’ Patricks tested the waters with a few reggae covers from fallen greats Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs and many more.
When Blaze and ‘Sir’ Patricks took over the proceedings, the tempo had already been set and to mark their words of appreciation it was an honour for them to share the stage with Paul Banda who was next to descend on stage.
He played the oldies that are associated with his name and the audience sang along as if there was a big screen in front that was running lyrics of songs that they have known in most of the youthful patrons’ young lives.
Although it could have easily escaped the sharp ear, it was clear that Paul Banda and Mingoli Band had not played together for a long time as in some tracks like Malilime that meticulous edge that is associated with Paul’s performance when backed by Alleluya Band was missing.
Mingoli took the stage for themselves when the band’s talented vocal duo of Elvas Myabah and Kelvin Sings mesmerised the audience when they crisscrossed the globe with several covers of international artists as they warmed up for Skeffa Chimoto and the Real Sounds.
Living by the billing of the jamming machine, Skeffa performed for over two hours nonstop and when he left the stage, it still was not clear if indeed he had managed to raise over K12 million for the event organisers.
Bridget Mphulana Rajabu, chairperson of St. Mary’s Parish Fund Raising Committee, said they organised the show to raise funds for building a priest’s house in Che Mussa where they have a newly established parish.
“The project is worth K26 million and we hoped the show will help them raise half this amount,” she said.
While it was clear that they did not achieve this target going by the turnout, for the show, it was clear that the patrons were left fully satisfied.
