Mafilika, Zimbabwean artist offer power packed act
Although it was a no-lawyers affair, Lilongwe-based music outfit, Mafilika, and Zimbabwean-born musician Melusi Khumalo put the lawyers creed ‘Love the one you are with’ to good use when they performed before an enthusiastic audience at Mibawa Café in Blantyre.
On an entertainment-smitten Friday evening, Mafilika and Khumalo had no choice but to entertain classical Afro Jazz, Reggae and Rock fans who opted for Mibawa Cafe and not other entertainment venues during a night they dubbed ‘A Night of Classical Afro Jazz, Rock and Reggae’.
Performing before a seated audience, it was Mafilika that took to the stage first, and the Capital City outfit did not disappoint the fans they were with, playing old tracks as well as those from the music project they are working on. For example, led by lead guitarist Ernest Ikwanga, they played ‘Tithandizeni’ from their soon-to-be-released album.
Ably supported by band members Amos Mlolowa, Samuel Mkandawire and Chambota Chirwa, Ikwanga sometimes let the guitar speak more words than the lyrics.
When his turn came, Khumalo, who was born in Zimbabwe but travelled all the way from Botswana to perform in Malawi, dished tracks such as ‘Uthando’.
The ‘Mambo Jesu’ star said in an interview later that he was impressed with the audiences’ participation, and expressed optimism that his relationship with Mafilika would transcend regional boundaries.
“I would like to perform with Mafilika in the Southern African Development Community region with the view of promoting music,” said Khumalo.
On his part, Ikwanga said the audience was attentive and this gave the outfit the energy to dish out their best.
“We look forward to coming to Blantyre again. People should expect a lot from us because we have our next project coming soon. We have been working on it,” said Ikwanga.
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