Fun lovers in Blantyre came out in large numbers for the long awaited gig organised by Beerland Festival at Moneymen Ground despite an 11th hour setback of no-show for the headliner in South African musician Young Stunna.
Young Stunna, real name Sandile Fortune Msimango, through his representatives Lawk Communications made an 11th hour communication that due to circumstances out of his control, he was unable to travel to Malawi for the event.
The letter from Lawk Communications said that the flight back from East London was delayed due to infrastructure issues, hence the artist failed to make it on time for the Malawi flight.
“However, my team together with the promoters will work on a new performance date,” reads the statement which Beerland Festival sent to different platforms a few hours to the event.
The development upset some fans but it was not enough to stop others from making it to the event, powered by National Bank of Malawi plc, on a cold night with local acts taking over.
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On a cold night, revellers made sure they were in warm clothing but others, particularly ladies, braved it by putting on their bum shorts and sleeveless tops and mini-skirts.
There were delays in starting the performances but once everything went into gear, the impressive audience relished the acts, with artist of the moment Christina Kholiyo, popularly known as Jetu, on the menu.
Jetu has a few songs and is yet to master stage management but, supported by his grandsons including manager Emm Dee, she lifted people’s spirits with many singing along to her songs. It however, it was ‘Chakwaza’, which has garnered so many views on YouTube, which dominated.
Hosted by The Times Group’s presenter Blak Jak, who on the night distributed T-shirts from organisers of the incoming Urban Music People (UMP) to be held at Cape Maclear in Mangochi in October, as well as Cynthia Zonde Zulu and MBC’s DJ Love, the event spilled over to the early hours of yesterday.
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All the artists who performed on the night praised people for showing up for the event and supporting Beerland Festival despite the absence of Young Stunna.
“Thank you Malawians for supporting Beerland and embracing Malawian artists,” Onesimus, popularly known as African Butter, who sparked with songs such as ‘Controller’, said.
He also took time out to applaud Malawians for supporting the romantic hit ‘Controller’, saying it has garnered more views in different platforms and that Malawi will soon conquer the world.
Gwamba, backed by a band and the Kambwiri Sisters, had his share too. It was not a long performance but it was enough to bring smiles to the people.
In between his performance, he invited Kell Kay to offer the song ‘Mr Yesu’.
Kell Kay also came back for collaboration with Eli Njuchi and Hyphen.
There was also collaboration between Eli Njuchi and Phyzix in the track ‘Follow’ and then Temwa and Tuno.
DJs, including Wayne and Mighty Virus, also had their share on the night when, apart from music, people also enjoyed non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, food and shisha.
Zonke Too Fresh and Malinga also starred at the event.
