Revellers in Lilongwe on Saturday night gave musician McDonald Mlaka Maliro a resounding welcome by turning out in large numbers for his ‘Return of Mlaka’ gig at the Lilongwe Golf Club.
The Lilongwe reception sharply contradicted the cold shoulder Mlaka got when just 20 people attended his show at Blantyre Sports Club a week earlier.
Taking to the microphone, Entertainers Promotions founder Jai Banda expressed his excitement with the huge turnout.
“Lilongwe, we are proud of you for supporting Mlaka. This is awesome,” he said.
Scheduled for 1.30pm, the show started around 7pm when fans began to appreciate the real fun. But before that, there were musical performances by up-and-coming artists.
Clad in military replica gear, Mlaka jumped on stage at exactly 11.21pm. He poured his heart into music and Balaka music was alive again. The souls lifted and memories rekindled.
Of particular interest were the songs Usakwiye and Vinyo Watha which provoked people’s reactions.
As if vindicating some circumstances that concern him, Mlaka rekindled the memories with Usakwiye.
Music has the power to emotionally relate things that happen to people and Usakwiye was a perfect feat. Mlaka scored a winning goal with a controversial Vinyo Watha.
Mlaka also dished out Hallelujah and Maloto, just to mention a few.
With the Big Bullets and Civil Service game at Civo Stadium, there was uncertainty on the part of the audience. The show began around 5pm with a scintillating performance from Six Solid Band dishing out mostly reggae.
At 6.43pm, the master of ceremonies invited Mr Zembani John Banda, Lucius’ son, to the stage. But it took Zembani Band almost one hour to do the soundcheck.
Walking in the footsteps of his father Lucius, John did several tracks such as Mzimu Wa Gadama and Mukawatule.
Billy Kaunda, Great Angels Choir, Lucius Banda, Sam Simakweli and Nepman spiced up the event.
There was a unique element about the show; almost all the artists played gospel songs.
Lucius said he was happy to support Mlaka’s return.
He said: “This is an awesome comeback for Mlaka.”
On his part, Mlaka said he was happy to fulfil the promise of his return.
“I am happy that Lilongwe has supported my return which was powered by Entertainers Promotions. This is great.
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