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Hyphen leaves fans yearning for more

What started as a fans’ appreciation treat on Saturday night climaxed to a memorable show for one of the country’s hip-hop voices Hyphen.

The artist pulled hundreds of fans to watch his virtual live performance via Facebook.

Despite teething problems that resulted in some moments where sound was affected, backing vocals missing the key plus breaks in Internet connection, Hyphen largely impressed the fans.

With the support of a band, the artist entertained fans for about 50 minutes, leaving them begging for more.

From Photobook, Kuusumana, to Utawaleza and Arozi, most fans could not hide their excitement to have an opportunity to watch the award-winning artist perform.

“Covid or not, we are still watching Mfumu Hyphen. Komanso [but] data must fall,” wrote Fatima Melek.

The mood heightened for both the artist and fans when Hyphen brought on stage Malinga Mafia to perform Tsidya Lina.

It was arguably the ragga vibes that Malinga brought that changed the tempo of the show before Hyphen took time to pay tribute to people in the arts sector who lost their lives recently.

“We all have lost loved ones to Covid-19. Let us remember all those that have left us due to this pandemic,” he said before being joined by musician Lilia to perform Amazing Grace.

The artist closed the show with Mamveravera, Wekha and popular track Anankabango.

However, news that the show was coming to an end was met with some resistance as some fans wanted more of Hyphen’s magic, saying a less than an hour performance was not enough.

“We are still here. So many songs that Mfumu Hyphen has not performed that we would love to watch,” said Chicco Phiri.

In a post-performance interview, the artist said it was by design to have a less than an hour show.

“The show was about 45-minutes long which is what I had planned for. I think short and sweet is better than dragging it out and risk boring people. Again, we had limited time to practise so I only rehearsed a limited number of songs,” he said.

Having experienced the virtual side of live performances, he said this is an area local artists need to explore, considering the current circumstances.

“It would be nice if more artists did this just so they give their fans something in these times we’re in,” he said.

The artist admitted that organising a virtual show is costly

“But looking at the way people supported this show, it is possible. Also, it’s something that the fans can go back and watch anytime they like,” he said.

Apart from Malinga and Lilia, other artists that worked with Hyphen on the show were Welce and Ace Dirty.

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