Eighty-five-year-old local acoustic artist Gidess Chalamanda is now set to leave for the United States of America (USA) where he is expected to hold shows alongside his companions in music, acoustic duo Edgar ndi Davis.
After a sterling farewell performance at Bingu International Conference Centre (Bicc) in Lilongwe on Friday night, Chalamanda thanked his fans for contributing to his trip in different ways; hence, making it possible for the trip to take place.
He said: “I want to thank all the people who have been coming to these shows and making it possible for me to go to US and perform. May God bless you. That is great love you have shown.”
Chalamanda, who was full of energy and passion in his performance, brought a lot of excitement to the show as patrons thronged to the dance floor in response to the tunes as old as their maker.
He sang Che Meli passionately, his eyes close so much that one could feel that the octagorian does not only know his music, but he also loves it as well.
After performing six songs, he bowed out and paved the way for Patience Namadingo, who was also received with much applause. And although it was already way after midnight, people danced to the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Chalamanda was called on stage by Edgar ndi Davis who raised the tempo of the show to levels where patrons were left with no choice, but to leave their warm seats on the cold night and take to the dancefloor.
The Wazelezeka duo maintained the tempo throughout their time with a brief break when Blantyre-based entrepreneur Mike Chilewe came on stage to present a donation of a return air ticket to US for Chalamanda.
He was honouring a pledge he made earlier that he would provide the artist with a return air ticket to help him achieve his dream of going to US as stated in one of his songs Buffalo Soldier.
During their performance, the duo also introduced on stage a new artist, Martha, who played an acoustic guitar in one of their songs.
Earlier on, Lulu thrilled fans with his numerous talents in music.
