Gospel musician Mlaka Maliro said Thursday that he has not gone back to secular music as some quarters are putting it but, rather, he is using the stage to preach the gospel to the people.
Mlaka, popularly known as Mlaka ndi Mlaka in the melodic rings, said this ahead of his return concert Saturday at Blantyre Sports Club, which has been organised in partnership with Entertainers Promotions.
The ‘Dzanja Lalemba’ creator’s concert, where he is expected to share the stage with Eli Njuchi, Great Angels Choir, Ndirande Anglican Voices, Saul Chembezi and Nep Sounds, among others, comes in handy as the world also commemorates International Jazz Day tomorrow.
International Jazz Day is a day declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in 2011 to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.
Mlaka is not into jazz music but he has embraced it and even used some of the jazz addicts in his projects including Erik Paliani and the late Chris Kele in his latest track ‘There’s No Wine’, off his yet to be released 13th album The Risen King.
Mlaka’s concert Saturday comes barely two weeks after he delivered a three-hour set in a warm up show at Zitherepano in Mangochi District on Easter.
The artist also had another show in Blantyre at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall, where he won the hearts of many people.
“I am using the platform to preach the gospel to the people, telling them about Jesus Christ. There is a reason why God has allowed me to go back to the stage and it is not just to entertain people but to preach the gospel,” he said.
Mlaka said most gospel shows are held in places where “most people already go to church but I want to do it differently”.
“Some people have not yet received Jesus Christ. I got saved and got born again after a person preached to me and I listened to him when I was drunk but my life changed. What others cannot do is what I am doing and this is what makes me happy,” the Balaka-based musician said.
Entertainers Promotions Director Tonderai Banda said they were happy to work with Mlaka and that people would experience a different show Saturday.
“We are set, everything is in place and we are 100 percent ready. This is a concert for everyone and, if you look at the line-up, it is appealing to all. Mlaka ndi Mlaka and he is ready,” Tonderai said.
He said, after the Blantyre show, people should brace for another show next Saturday at Lilongwe Golf Club, where Mlaka will come face to face with Soldier Lucius Banda and Billy Kaunda.
While people in Blantyre will be enjoying Mlaka, in Zomba they will be enjoying the four day Zomba City Festival, which starts today and ends on Monday. It will take place in seven venues including Gymkhana Club.
At Chill Spot in Mchinji District, Pakaya Events has organised a Gospel Concert on Sunday featuring artists such as Kamuzu Barracks, Evance Meleka, Maggie Mangani and Favoured Martha.
