Lukewarm reception for Wailing Brothers launch

They came. Bags of cement. Bricks. They were there to showcase some unfinished business. That was the height of the Wailing Brothers relaunch at Robin’s Park in Blantyre.

Had it not been for Lucius Banda or Saleta Phiri’s remnant AB Sounds, it could have been a long and dreary night.

Lucius aside, Wailing Brothers band lead guitarist Takudziwani Chokani and vocalist Chikumbutso made the night as the band worked to prove their mettle.

They came on set with a different opening.

Bags of cement and bricks to signify the launch of the anticipated album. Later, it was Takudziwani’s lead guitar that kept patrons on the floor for the rest of the night.

The star of the night was Chikumbutso Disi, who led the patrons through songs such as Mutitsogolere, NdikudikiraMunthu, Levi, Afritune, MwateroNdinu, Sindidzasiya, Dzukaand The Hungry Tiger with chip-ins from Takudziwani.

“It was a pleasant night, but I wish the guys can put more concentration on the vocals. There is no punch,” said one patron who witnessed the show from the time AB Sounds opened it.

Wailing Brothers manager Chigomegzo Gondwe-Chokani was short of words as the show closed down.

“I can’t say anything now. I am overwhelmed with the response. Malawi has shown they want to appreciate what we are for,” said Gondwe-Chokani.

Music promoter Jai Banda said the show lived up to the billing.

“This is a good beginning. But, like all beginnings, the band has every room to improve,” said Jai.

Lucius said, as a musician, he was happy that there was another act on the music scene.

“In fact, I am rejuvenated. There was a time I saw the birth of Billy Kaunda, MlakaMaliro and others who went on to stand on their own. This is a growth on Malawi arts,” said Lucius.

After the relaunch in Blantyre, the band performed in Lilongwe late yesterday.