South Africa-based Malawian artist Onesimus will stage his long-awaited concert on home soil at Lilongwe Golf Club this Sunday after a five-year hiatus.
His homecoming concert would not have come with any bigger pomp and fanfare than boasting a supporting crew which includes South African label-mates Vusi Nova and Ishmael. Local musicians earmarked to support him include Gwamba, Piksy, Fredokiss, Janta and DJ Nathan Tunes.
Said Onesimus: “It has been long. I am really excited with the prospect of reuniting with my Malawian fans. They have supported and shown me love throughout the years.
“It is my payback time. They should expect something new and phenomenal on Sunday.”
The artist said even the last minute withdrawal of Nigerian Afro-pop artist Teckno has not dampened the mood ahead of the show. He said the main idea of the Homecoming Concert is to unveil himself to his Malawian fans.
He said: “Teckno is a brother. We both had the same idea of having him here, but the circumstances could not permit him. But ideally the show is mine and he was coming as a supporting act so, that should not worry people much.”
Patrons will pay K2 000 for the highly-publicised show and the Mr Nobody hit-maker said the low pricing was a deliberate move. He allayed fears that the gate fee may be a source of commotion as a result of overwhelming patronage.
“We had to look at the background of where we are coming from. With the Covid-19 pandemic, it has not been easy financially for most people. For me, it is not about the money, but the opportunity to reconnect with my fans and to give them a good musical feel,” he said.
The artist’s local manager Tonderai Banda of Entertainers Promotions said they will enforce strict Covid-19 measures during the show, including implementing a no-mask no-entry restriction.
He said: “We know what is at stake and the interest that the show has attracted. We have to be wary of our obligations at the end of the day. The idea is to deliver this event in an environment that retains the acceptable public health standards.”
In separate video clips shared on social media, Ishmael and Vusi Nova confirmed their participation during the show.
