Attendance of the “Easter Fusion” gigs in England for Malawian musicians Lulu, Skeffa Chimoto and Dan Lu were disappointing but nothing was going to stop the shows as artistes hit the stage with great performances.
[caption id="attachment_106434" align="alignright" width="377"] Strictly Dancing: Dan Lu with a fan[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_106433" align="alignright" width="377"] Having fun: Racheal Khan Muyepa showing her dancing skills on stage as Dan Lu watches on[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_106436" align="alignright" width="600"] Malawians on dancing floor in Leicester for Easter Fusion[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_106431" align="alignright" width="600"] In Manchester, patrons at the Easter Fusion gig[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_106437" align="alignright" width="277"] Same venue, sell out crowd for Zimbabwe Jah Prayerz show 24 hours later[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_106435" align="alignright" width="377"] Mampi on stage[/caption]
The three Malawian singers were joined by Zambia’s diva Mampi Mukape to perform on Good Friday at Leicester Athena Conference and held another show in Manchester on Easter Saturday which was also marred by poor turnout of Malawians.
Lulu kicked-off the show on Friday; the “Ndzalera” star seemed not bothered by the small crowd that was in the gigantic hall.
He displayed his music talent in plucking the guitar combined with his silky voice and he had the great dancing antics.
Malawian fun seekers who attended the show could not help but dance along to the Lulu songs.
Then Dan Lu, who recently released a new song “Sweet Banana” featuring Nigeria’s Kcee, also gave a great performance.
The ‘Uhule ndi Mtima’ singer spiced up his performance by inviting on stage patrons to show their dancing skills.
Skeffa, who is best known for songs such as “Chikondi Chabodza” and “Chinamuluma Chakuda”, was seen most of the times collecting a lot of Sterling Pounds bank notes from the crowd who appreciated his singing.
“We could have performed more songs but we have just practised with this local band for a day. We only practised 15 songs and they have been fantastic,” Skeffa told the audience.
“In Malawi I perform three hours non-stop,” the Jamming Machine added.
Then Zambia’s singing sensation Mampi also took to the stage with his Walilowelela popular song.
Mampi, a former contestant in the TV reality show Big Brother Africa, also showed her sensational dance moves that she is famous for.
And just like Dan Lu, the Zambian singer invited patrons to show their dancing skills on stage.
In wrapping the show, the three Malawian artists performed together a song in tribute to gospel music artist Grace Chinga who died last week.
“It was great tribute for Grace Chinga. I felt moved by that performance,” Pastor Elizabeth Kalonga said after the show.
Sheila Tobie Banda, an organiser of Face of Malawi UK said the gig was great despite the poor turn up.
And Miss Malawi UK organiser Kondi Bowoyeke Munthali bemoaned that Malawians could not patronise the show of their artists in large numbers.
“It’s time that Malawians should start promoting their own artists and shows,” he said .
At the same venue, 24 hours later Zimbabwe singer Jah Prayerz performed and filled the Athena Conference hall to full capacity. Zimbabweans trooped to the show that was a sell out.
“Enjoying a show doesn’t depend on the number of people that have attended; it depends on how great the performances are. Mampi and the Malawian artists did their best and I enjoyed the show,” a Zambian in Manchester Twalumba Mweetwa told Nyasa Times after watching the 'Easter Fusion' in both venues.
The artists will also perform in London on April 2 at the Royal Regency, 501 High Street to wrap up the tour.
Organisers of the Easter Fusion, Grajoh Talent Management and Public Relations said they expect the final show to be “very great.”
Grace Ntolera-Mujungu said after performing with the band in two shows and that they have week to prepare for London show, it will be a mother of all gigs.
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