‘Slaves’ ready to rock

One People’s Band (formerly Slaves), an outfit of South Africa’s reggae icon the late Lucky Dube, says it is set to bring reggae vibes that will electrocute  Malawians  come April 29 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

Both the organisers of the Reggae by Foot festival Entertainers Promotions and band members of One People’s Thuthukani Cele and Sister Phumi confirmed their attendance.

“We understand that this will be the first Reggae by Foot festival with both local and international artists. So, we are ready for it. Malawi should expect electrifying reggae vibes that will renew reggae and the spirit of our departed leader Lucky Dube,” said Thuthukani.

Thuthukani said he and Sister Phumi are passionate about reggae which unites people and celebrate the power of music.

Apart from enjoying massive airplay on local airwaves, Lucky Dube music inspired many local artists as evidenced in their style of reggae.

But Entertainers Promotions manager Tonderai Jai Banda and Thuthukani assured Malawians that all contractual agreements are in order.

“There is no need to panic because we have properly done our homework to ensure that One People’s Band comes to Malawi to headline the Reggae by Foot Festival,” Tonderai said.

Reggae by Foot Festival started in 1989 by the chairperson of Entertainers Promotions Jai Banda to encourage artists to perform their own music as a way of promoting Malawi music.

According to Banda, then everything to do with the festival was analogue. But this year’s event capitalises on technological advancements.

“During our time, we did not use screens or have big stage and all the advanced equipment. But today, Entertainers Promotions under the auspices of Tonderai is capitalising on the technology,” said Tonderai.