Nkasa ‘drops’ Mutharika in Mose wa Lero

When musician Joseph Nkasa released the song Mose wa Lero, it was purely a political song meant to praise and support former president Bingu wa Mutharika.

But when the artist performed the song twice during a live television show on Mibawa TV on Saturday night, Nkasa decided to omit naming Mutharika in his lyrics.

“Mose wa Lero, Mose wa lero ndi ……Waliphula dziko pa moto …” he sang in part on both occasions. Originally, the song goes “Mose wa lero, Mose wa lero ndi Mutharika…..waliphula dziko pa moto….”

Perhaps this is in line with his earlier announcement that he regrets ever composing political songs.

From 8.03 to 11.03pm on Saturday evening, the musician proved that he is one of the country’s most loved musicians when he gave out a scintillating performance.

Performing some of his popular songs, Nkasa, dressed in a bright orange T-shirt and a blue pair of jeans, opened his set with his song Padiwa followed by Mtima M’malo.

Visibly excited, the Mose wa Lero creator gave shout outs to several townships and districts across the country and other cities across the world emphasising that he loves his fans.

Throughout his three-hour perfpmance, Nkasa showed his energy and enthusiasm while displaying his entertaining, but somehow uncharacteristic signature dance moves.

In a brief interview with Mibawa’s presenter DT during break, Nkasa said he is where he is today because of perseverance.

“I released my first five albums which were all flops. I did not want to be featured in a popular artist’s album because I wanted to make my own name,” he said, adding that his sixth album Wayenda Wapenga is the one that hit gold and finally made him successful.

The artist further disclosed that he wanted to contest for a parliamentary seat in 2019, but decided against it at the last minute after his colleagues in the trade terribly tumbled when they ventured into politics.

“I do not think I was going to make it,” he said with a laugh.

As the artist performed in the empty hall, people from nearby townships rushed to Mibawa to enjoy the event live and slowly filled the spaces with the passing of time, giving Nkasa an opportunity to interact with the audience before him.

Impressed with the performance, some Malawians of goodwill pledged some money to the veteran artist with politician Moses Kunkuyu pledging to give the musician K100 000.

At some point the musician played a cover of Austin Skelemu’s song M’mbuyo Kucheta. He also played some hymn songs including Patsogolo and Wina Atikonda Ife.

Nkasa’s performance was almost flawless save for some discord between him and the band which at times forced him to give instructions on stage when the band went off key. 

The three-hour live performance was supported by Nep Sounds Band and sponsored by World Star Betting.