Slow down, add sound wattage, Blacks told

Black Missionaries fans in Blantyre on Sunday afternoon raised their concerns over the quality from the band’s performances during a show at Ozone in Machinjiri.

Speaking in random interviews, the fans have asked the band to slow down on the number of shows it holds, saying frequent shows melt down the anticipation to watch them.

Over the years, the Blantyre-based band has been holding more than two shows within a city over the same weekend.

“We respect the Blacks and to maintain the status, they should be coming out once in a while. I enjoy live music performances, but watching the same group several times kills the keenness to attend the shows,” said Griffin Phiri.

Some interviewees said they have no problems with the number of shows, but tipped the band to change its style, saying they present the same performance sequence every time.

“Music is an art and people appreciate creativity. The band performs very well, but we are tired of the same style. Every time, it is the same artist that starts the show and finishes in the same order. They should not be predictable. Even the songs they perform should be different because they have many good songs,” said Priscilla Mbewe.

Reacting to the concerns, Blacks band leader Anjiru Fumulani admitted the shortfalls, but defended the frequency of the shows, saying they have since slowed down.

“We are in a new year and in our first month. We have got the concerns and we are already slowing down. However, it should be noted that it has not always been our wish to be performing every weekend; it is public demand. We had shows in Lilongwe and last weekend was Blantyre. Our next shows in these cities are next month that is our 2014 plan. We agree to the concerns and we will not be out as frequently as before,” he said.

The patrons also complained that the intensity of sound from the band’s instruments has dropped.

“It is sad that I learnt they fell out with Jai Banda, who used to lend them some equipment. It has affected the sound intensity from the band. Previously, you could hear the sound from a distance, but nowadays you have to be close to the speakers,” said three girls, Angella, Tereza and Pamela.

To which Anjiru noted: “It is true we are using our own equipment. We believe the quality has not changed. It is true that Jai has powerful amplifiers and speakers which can give out high sound output, but the quality is the same. We believe in balancing the sound to suit the environment,” he said, adding that they are planning to increase the wattage.