Ma Blacks sneak behind Covid-19, entertain fans

Black Missionaries Band on Saturday night sneaked behind the Covid-19 pandemic and its restrictions on public gatherings to virtually entertain fans.

During a live show on Mibawa Television that spanned over three hours, the reggae artists proved they are still the leading reggae band in Malawi with their energetic performance, melodic voices and entertaining stage presence.

At 5.20pm, the first act Khozi Masimbe opened the show with his two songs followed by Yanjanani Chumbu and then Moda Fumulani.

Fallen reggae great Gift Fumulani almost resurrected through the performance of his young brother Moda who reminded Malawians about the late Gift. Some of the songs Moda performed included Bwenzi Langa and Khunju Reggae.

Then it was time for Anthony ‘Mr Cool’ Makondetsa to dictate matters on the stage. He performed a list of his songs, opening his set with Sudzampeza Ngati Ine. Other songs that he performed included Ndidzakasimba, Ali Pompano, Philadephia, Mbumba ya Abraham and Ndagwira Mbendera.

Supported by Chizondi Fumulani on the keyboards, Marko Kamba on the lead guitar, Peter Amidu on the bass guitar, Mada on the drums and Selekta Rokaz as the director of ceremonies, the live show was seamless.

“We know you are worried with the Covid-19 situation. We are worried too, but let’s not lose hope, we will make it,” said Makondetsa in the middle of his performance.

He then joked about the need for him and his colleagues to be given risk allowances as well.

“Nafe tikufunika risk allowance sure. Makondetsa akufunika risk allowance. Ma Blacks akufunika risk allowance [We also need risk allowances],” he said to the handful patrons who were allowed inside the venue at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre.

When it was time for the Black Missionaries, for patrons, it felt like a journey to the past.

They played most of Matafale’s hits such as Timba, Watsetseleka, Song of Freedom, Nkhawa Bii, among others.

Anjiru and Chizondi took turns in leading the performance with Chizondi.

 The show basically ticked all positive boxes as the sound output was great, vocal arrangement was on point and the artists’ interaction on stage was also entertaining save for the first few minutes as it was clearly awkward for them to perform in an almost empty venue.

The show was sponsored by Premier Bet.