Different acts, perfect meet for Sir Paul, Soldier
Musicians Sir Paul Banda and his brother Lucius popularly known as Soldier shared the stage on Friday night at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre during a show organised by Blantyre Archdiocese Events Committee.
People anticipated that the two musicians would perform together but they did not as Sir Paul performed first before leaving the stage for Lucius.
Sir Paul performed with Anthu Ambiri Band while Lucius was backed by his Zembani Band.
Before Sir Paul’s entry, the audience was treated to sound from other artists including another veteran Enot Spear Mbandambanda.
Soon after finishing his act, Sir Paul, who had to offer one more track due to public demand, met Lucius back stage where he congratulated him on his impressive performance.
And Sir Paul wished his brother all the best as he made way to the stage.
The last time the two artists shared the stage was during the launch of Sir Paul’s only DVD – The Best of Sir Paul Banda, in Lilongwe last year.
The Mibawa concert was a cocktail which saw people enjoying both food and music.
People were paying K10,000 on the door with K15,000 for VIP which was on the higher side and so the hall was not full.
Sir Paul offered the best on the night dishing out songs from his several albums including ‘Mtendere’, ‘Malilime’, ‘Zonse Nzabwino’, and ‘Achimwene Muzigona Kunyumba’, which he dedicated to ladies.
For some of the songs such as ‘Mtendere’, (Peace), it was as if the old-timer was calling for peace for the country which is currently experiencing different challenges including road accidents.
Lucius continued from where his brother left off dishing out songs from several of his albums.
Some of the songs he performed include ‘Mzimu wa A Gadama’, and ‘Nthawi.’
There were also performances from Sam Smack and Nepman.
Sir Paul described their sharing the stage with his brother as one of the rare moments.
“I wish we had more of these shows. Lucius is one of the greatest musicians the country has ever produced and I feel proud to have helped in mentoring him,” he said.
The legendary musician hailed those who came to support the show aimed at raising funds for different activities.
Lucius, who is also a Member of Parliament, said it was an honour to share the stage with Sir Paul – who he described as a parent, friend and brother.
“He is a great and full musician and all rounder, from recording, teaching and I am still tapping from him,” Lucius said.
He further went on to say that Sir Paul was a perfectionist, who used to discourage him from doing too much reggae saying reggae was very easy.
“It’s a great feeling because it takes me back to close to 27 years ago when Pope John Pope II came to Malawi and we performed and this was courtesy of Blantyre Archdiocese and the same Blantyre Archdiocese has brought us together today,” he said.
The two brothers said they were looking forward to doing some songs together further revealing that they have done songs together but the greatest of them all was working on Cease Fire, which is one of the highest selling albums.
There was also a raffle draw during the concert which spilled over to the early hours of Saturday with the top prize being a refrigerator.
Some of the high profile people who attended the show include Vicar General Boniface Tamani and former minister Henry Phoya.
The two musicians were also expected to share the stage yesterday at St Pius Hall in Blantyre.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
