Makondetsa fails to beat his own record
It has been three years since reggae music livewire Anthony Mr. Cool Makondetsa launched his 7th album, Fuko Lokondedwa.
Until today, Fuko Lokondedwa remains among his best creations. The artist produced Kamberembere in 2001, Maonekedwe, a 2003 production, Mfakamfaka in 2005, 2007’s Ndiribe Mlandu and in 2009 Mbumba ya Abraham.
Fuko Lokondedwa album launch was arguably one of the best Malawi has ever seen with the Lilongwe Golf Club filled to capacity.
Those that attended the launch will attest to the fact that for about an hour, there was a traffic jam from Old Town Round About near Lilongwe Town Hall all the way to the venue.
Now he is back with Ndagwira Mbendera which he launched on Sunday at the same venue but fell short of beating his 2015 record.
There were fans, of course, totalling about 2 000 but still less than those that trekked in on the cold March night back then.
Even the pomp and camaraderie that accompanied the 2015 launch where fans went wild singing Makondetsa’s new tunes was not there this time around.
But on stage, Mr. Cool once again turned into a dynamite his fans have known him for in the past two decades. He went straight into performing songs from the album like Wadziwa Liti, and Philadelphia which resonated well with fans.
Makondetsa then moved to old tunes like Mbumba ya Abraham, sending the fans into an ecstasy.
The air was pregnant and thick with smoke and dust as the grass under the feet of the multitudes could not contain the pressure coming from the dancing.
“Thank you Lilongwe for the usual support, next is Mzuzu,” said Makondetsa as he moved off stage.
The Black Missionaries Band appeared on stage to continue with the fun. It was after midnight but Lilongwe Golf Club was still loaded with hordes of energetic people seemingly ready to party all night long.
The jamming machine Skeffa Chimoto also took his turn and dished out some of his best hits.
And the party went on until 2am.
Makondetsa launched his album in Blantyre on Friday night at Robin’s Park.
