Gramps Morgan in town
By Ellen Pindani:
Jamaican singer, instrumentalist, producer, record executive and entrepreneur Roy Gramps Morgan jetted into the country Tuesday through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe ahead of his performance at the 11th edition of Sand Music Festival to be held at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi District.
Gramps, son to renowned reggae artist Denroy Morgan and member of Grammy award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage, is expected to headline the three-day festival on the second day.
Kamuzu International Airport was filled with joy and excitement when the husky voiced musician arrived.
The artist, who is in the country for the third time, having visited with Morgan Heritage in 2015 and 2016 courtesy of Born Afrikan Productions, was welcomed at the airport by Sand Music Festival Artist Liaison Manager Wendy Harawa and other officials and a group of Rastafarians.
Speaking with The Daily Times on arrival, the ‘People Like You’ maker expressed excitement to be back in Malawi and promised people unforgettable moments during the festival.
“Malawi is home and my brothers and sisters here should expect great hits this time,” Gramps said.
Gramps jetted into the country alongside Uganda’s gospel musician Levixone of the ‘Chikibombe’ fame, who was in the country recently.
“I am looking forward to starring at the festival and share the stage with fellow artists. Malawi is a great country with good people and, so, I want to give them a treat,” Levixone said.
Wendy said they were happy that Gramps and Levixone were here and urged people not to miss the festival.
“This festival is for everyone; we will have both gospel and secular artists with several activities. Let people come and experience the best,” Wendy said.
The festival’s spokesperson Laura Banda said Sand Music Festival contributes a lot to the economy of the country as it draws tourists and business people, among others, to celebrate the country’s beauty, arts and culture.
“The festival brings forex through tourists and we have over the years attracted people from the Southern African Development Community region, Africa, Europe and America. There is more this year,” Laura, daughter to the festival’s director Soldier Lucius Banda, said.
The three-day music festival will be spiced up with both local artists such as Billy Kaunda and some international musicians.
Over 50 local acts including Lucius, Kaunda, Keturah, Great Angels, Black Missionaries and Lulu are expected to perform.
Meanwhile, other international acts such as South Africa’s Makhadzi and Nigeria’s Mr P arrive on Thursday whereas South Africa’s Sipho Big Fish Makhabane jets in today.
