Kamwana Family comes of age

Lilongwe was left thrilled on Sunday after the Kamwana Family successfully launched their debut album, Dziko Lokoma, at the Bingu International Conference Centre (Bicc).

The venue itself might have been intimidating to the organisers and the artists, alike as it is used to host big names in society. Just the previous night, renowned international stand-up comedian Annie Kansiime had just sent the city into chuckles of laughter!

In contrast, the Kamwana Family had no name prior to the launch. A young trio comprised of two sisters in Devine and Delight, with their elder brother Foster completing the picture, their ages range from eight to 12.

From the city’s Area 49 suburb, the young trio has been wowing viewers on various radio and TV stations across the country with their melodious and soothing songs.

Their works largely hinge on old gospel tunes, but sung with such vigour and precision largely meant for the new-generation. And yet they remain priceless!

But it immediately became a different tale once they were ushered onto the stage by director of ceremonies Chrispin Zenengeya.

With only three groups of supporting artists that included the youthful The Prophets from Kawale of the Amanyamula Dziko Pamapewa Ake fame, patrons were treated to some more quality performances from the main actors as they played almost all their songs from the 11 track album.

Just as her name suggests, young Delight defies all logic—both on stage and in the album—as she expertly takes the female tenor voice, whose chords most singers systematically shun due to their complexity in nature.

Little should be said of the remaining two as their combination, coupled with clarity and fine voice projections were seemingly made to take the audience to cloud nine; a step towards heaven!

The three, with their father on the guitar, were just a marvel to watch. No wonder the debut album fetched over K1 million during its auctioning.

Other notable songs that have been dominating the airwaves include Usiku, Chondilaka Nchiyani, God Will Take Care Of You, Nyali Yanu Iwalire, Open My Eyes and Popita Nthawi.

The day also proved to be an excellent family outing as scores turned up for the show, to the amazement of even the organisers who admitted later on that they never anticipated such a large crowd.

By the end of the day, it was a memorable performance. One that never demanded some physical dancing, but whose word was powerful enough to stir and soothe the soul.

One of the organisers, Harvey Chigumula, was lost for words at the turn up.

“Actually that’s the reason why we have roped in only three supporting artists. We want to give the fans a good treat by allowing the trio to perform all their songs. This should also boost the kids’ confidence in themselves; knowing that they will be doing the main act.”