Moda reunites with Ma Blacks
Prior to Black Missionaries’ two shows at the weekend, all talk and focus was on Moda Fumulani’s return to the band.
Moda was returning to the Black Missionaries fold after a not-so-eventful stint with the Wailing Brothers Band after he unceremoniously broke ranks with his cousins a couple of years ago. It was, therefore, a home-coming moment for him.
His return was delayed by a funeral which prevented him from travelling with the group to Mangochi on Friday for its debut show at the newly-opened Davido Lounge.
However, his comeback could not come at a better venue than Zinziri Bar in Blantyre which is close to their home, Chileka.
Moda, a younger sibling to the late Gift Fumulani, made his return with an impressive performance as he dished out covers of some of his brothers popular songs such as Tiye Kwathu, Nzeru and Mphamvu Yake.
“Sometimes you sit and think some moments will never come. I am happy with the way I have been welcomed back. Not only by the band members but the fans too. It is really nice to be out here with the group one more time,” he said after the show.
The artist indicated that he is currently finalising work on his album: “I am just remaining with a few things to work on. Once everything is in place, I will start promoting it together with the group.”
On Friday Ma Blacks kept fans busy on their feet throughout the night up to the wee hours of Saturday morning in Mangochi.
The show started at 21:46 with Khozi Masimbe raising the curtain, followed by Yanjanani Chumbu who performed different songs to warm the stage.
Throughout the show Chizondi kept entertaining the fans with his magic on the four keyboards he was playing as he wizardly manipulated the keys.
The well-patronised show started to gain momentum when Anthony Makondetsa, popularly known as ‘Mr Cool’ in music circles, grabbed the microphone at exactly 23:23.
Makondetsa dished out several songs both old and new, which made the audience to keep dancing.
Mr Cool took advantage of the show and reminded the audience that Malawi is for everyone and politics or religion should not divide the unity of the people.
Band leader Anjiru Fumulani stormed the stage later sending the fully packed audience into cheers and he reminded them of Black Missionaries founder Everson Matafale.
Anjiru surprised the fans when he called on stage forgotten star Francis Dangoman Kadango and they together performed Kadango’s 2001 hit Manga Mabuleki.
One of the patrons Vivian Chisale said: “This is what we call entertainment. The band has performed to our satisfaction. During the 20 years I have been in Mangochi, I have never seen such a huge crowd at a single show.”
Anjiru thanked the management of Davido Lounge for inviting them and the fans for patronage.
“This is the first time for me to perform at this place as it is also new in town. The environment is conducive to hold shows here,” said Anjiru.
Davido Lounge operations manager Francis Maurice thanked the fans for coming in large numbers.
“The support we have seen tonight is overwhelming. It is like the show is for free. The numbers we expected have doubled. This is a signal that people have trusted us and are happy with our services and we promise to bring them the best ever activities in Mangochi,” he said.
Ma Blacks is the second band to perform at the venue. Zembani Band performed first during the opening of the Lounge on July 27.
