Orga Family, B1 miss Lilongwe shows

Despite giving their host Mibawa Band an assurance of performing in Malawi at the Easter weekend, Zambia artists Organised Family and B1 did not turn up for the shows. It was only General Kanene who made it out of the trio.

Mibawa organised shows in Lilongwe at the Capital Hotel Marquee on Friday and BAT in Blantyre on Saturday with performances by the band as well as the Zambians.

The Lilongwe show was planned to start at 5pm peopled had to wait until around 7:30 when Soul Riders dished out reggae vibes for an hour.

Mibawa took over with Reggae, R ‘n’ B, Soul, local and golden oldies renditions. The band was later joined by Kanene and together performed and entertained the small crowd. It was impressive how the two sides coordinated and sung along as if they have been doing that for years.

But they only rehearsed for hours prior to the show Mibawa owner persistently apologised to people for not having the Organised Family as well as B1.

“We hear B1 was sent back at Chipata border as his passport has expired. As for Orga family we are not sure but we have just heard that they have gone to South Africa to perform, despite confirming to come to Malawi,” said John Nthakomwa.

In an interview, Nthakomwa said there are reasons that led to delay of show. “After realising that only Kanene is here, the band had to practise more of his songs, to cover up for those that did not come. That ate much of our time up to the extent of sound checking while people were here. However, we had a great show, all the performances were good, and that’s what matters to people,” he said.

Commenting on the failure by the Zambians to appear in Malawi he said: “I cannot hide my disappointment more especially for Orga family. What they have done is completely unacceptable and did not even have the courtesy to communicate but rather switched off their phones.

“As for B1 our focus now will be how to get back our deposit. But what has happened has an effect on the turnout of people as some changed plans upon hearing the two Zambians are not coming. We expected more people but are happy with the numbers that came,” explained Nthakomwa.