Mibawa Band has imported state-of-the-art equipment, which is likely to change the conduct of open-air concerts in Malawi.
The collection comprises 38 speakers, a set of electronic drums, percussions, keyboards, auto-tune box, keyboards and computer-centred control panel—all automated to give out quality sound without the aid of amplifiers.
During the unveiling of the equipment in Malawi’s commercial city, Blantyre, on Tuesday, band proprietor John Nthakomwa said the US-made equipment is “the professional type suitable for international performers in vast venues such as stadia and golf clubsâ€.
He reckons its arrival marks a shift from a string of top-rated concerts which are marred by poor sound systems.
“As a music lover, I have attended several shows, but the poor state of the instruments has tended to spoil what could have been memorable music experiences. With the new equipment, we can host any international performer before a half-filled Kamuzu Stadium and everybody will go home without complaining about flaws in sound quality,†said Nthakomwa.
He could not disclose how much it has cost him to assemble the system. However, he said it was part of a music tourism project he has been harbouring for years.
He hinted that he has already installed internal components at the dance club near Protea Ryalls downtown Blantyre. He said the new acquisition is earmarked for outdoor jams.
In random interviews, Mibawa Band members said the system is a relief given that some bands use indoor equipment on open grounds and others rely on tattered equipment despite having no qualified sound engineers.
According to band leader Jay Jay Munthali, the band will pre-test and fine-tune the equipment during a tour of Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre next month.
The circuit includes encounters with Skeffa Chimoto and Edgar ndi Davis at Blantyre Sports Club on New Year’s Eve.
