Lucius Banda outlines Impakt’s plans
Musician Lucius Banda has said art is looked down upon and yet it has all the ingredients that could help bring about change for Malawi.
Lucius said this on Sunday after his performance at New Village House in Blantyre where he performed for a longtime.
“Art can change Malawi no doubt about that, but the country has neglected art. All what is needed is the support,” he said.
Lucius who, through his Impakt Events has now gone full, throttle into holding events, said it was high time the country realised that it was missing out by not supporting the arts.
He then revealed that through his Impakt Events, he wants to promote Malawi and show that it is the place to visit and enjoy maximum entertainment.
Through Impakt Events, Lucius has managed to bring in several international acts including Jamaica’s Busy Signal, who he said has helped sell Malawi to the world.
Lucius then confirmed that the Sand Music Festival will be held at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima from October 28 through to October 30.
“We wanted to hold it Nkopola this year but it didn’t work out so we are back in Salima just like last year. All we ask is for people to support us by buying original tickets because we have lost money on the gates through fake tickets,” he said.
He maintained that the aim of Sand Music Festival was to sell Malawi.
“We should not be known outside the country because we are one of the poorest nations but rather we should be known as a country full of life and talent,” Lucius said.
He said Jamaican artist Sizzla will be among the headliners of this year’s festival adding that they had also talked to South Africa’s reggae artist Senzo.
“Senzo from South Africa has confirmed he is free and ready to be part of the festival, Sizzla is already confirmed. We are also talking to Casper Nyovest, Professor and others but one will surely be available,” the Mabala star said.
He also said they want people to embrace Sand Music Festival to the fullest by sampling all the performances during the three days.
“We want people to watch all performances from day one to the last. For instance this year on Friday we will have urban musicians, on Saturday it will be reggae artists and then the last day it will be acoustic music,” said the musician.
He also revealed that they held discussions with Gramps Morgan to perform during this year’s festival.
“Gramps accepted to come to Sand Festival but then he has another commitment with Morgan Heritage but now I am thinking of bringing him to Blantyre which has been shunned of late,” he said.
Through this show earmarked for December, Lucius said he wants to challenge Blantyre.
“I will bring one of the Jamaican artists to perform either at Blantyre Sports Club, Kamuzu Stadium or BAT. It will be my risk but fans in Blantyre should prove that Blantyre comes for entertainment and not what others are saying that people shun shows,” Lucius said.
He also said he is planning one big gospel show to feature top artists citing South Africa’s Sipho Makhabane, who had no show last month despite his arrival due to other challenges with the prospect of putting up a gospel music festival.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
