Militant Nkasa conquers Mzuzu

The message was loud and clear. Prices of goods are skyrocketing. Water and electricity tariffs are exorbitant. The local currency is depreciating. Police officers’ salaries are meagre and live in poor housing conditions.

And the general mood is that people are not happy, they want to have an improved economy.

The crowd response was overwhelming to finally have a voice of reason that would speak on their behalf.

The setting was Mzuzu Tourist Lodge on Sunday which ‘Phungu’ Joseph Nkasa took it as a battlefield to fight for the voiceless Malawians who are going through economic hardships.

Dressed in army green attire, Nkasa left no stone unturned in criticising government for the prevalent woes through his militant performance that left most patrons in awe.

This is the approach Nkasa has taken in his new album Kulira kwa Dziko which Mzuzu had an opportunity sample for the first time since its release four months ago.

Songs such as Anenere, Kulira kwa Dziko and Ndine Mboni are masterpiece acts that left most people cheering in agreement to the message while at the same time keeping them on their toes.

Within his performance, Nkasa took time to explain himself of the role he has taken as a freedom fighter.

“A police officer cannot go to the IG [Inspector General] to complain about the suffering they are going through. All they can say in the presence of their boss is ‘Yes Sir!’ But as a musician I can speak on their behalf,” he said.

The show, which also had performances by Alleluya Band and Mlaka Maliro, will best be remembered for legendary Paul Banda’s set.

The 53-year-old proved that age is not catching up on him musically as he withstood an hour to give out close to 15 songs while at the same time playing the lead guitar.

Mlaka, on the other hand, took advantage of the platform to preach. He said he was once a sinner but now is a changed man who has Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal saviour.

“If there is one here who is yet born again should receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal saviour,” he said. n