Musicians from both gospel and secular worlds on Friday night took turns in singing praises of legendary promoter Jai Banda, popularly known as Mr Entertainer, for supporting artists in the country through Entertainers Promotions.
The artists made the remarks during Jai’s 65th birthday celebration which was organised by Classic Events led by Edson Kawalala at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre.
It was a night that saw fun lovers coming out in large numbers in the commercial city but many failed to adhere to the dress code of black and white.
“I take him as my father. He has done so much to the creative industry and we owe him big time. He is the one who gave me the name Mr Cool,” Anthony Makondetsa said during his performance, which came in the early hours of Saturday.
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He then went on to dish out the track ‘Happy Birthday’ before Jai joined him.
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Anjiru Fumulani, leading reggae group Black Missionaries after the audience had relished the reggae sounds from Makondetsa, also heaped praise on Jai for the support to the group.
“Mr Entertainer has been there for us and, so, we celebrate with him his 65th birthday,” Anjiru, who Jai also nicknamed The Jewel of Chileka, said.
Opening their account on the night with Evison Matafale’s ‘Watsetseleka’ before serving more songs from their Kuimba albums, Anjiru also went on to inform the audience that they were celebrating the birthday of one of their backing vocalists, Yanjanani Chumbu.
Soldier Lucius Banda was supposed to be the guest of honour but he missed out and instead Skeffa Chimoto did the honours earlier on, flanked by artists such as Limbani Simenti and Dennis Kalimbe from Ndirande Anglican Voices, before calling upon the audience to sing ‘happy birthday’ for the veteran promoter.
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Skeffa also had his share on the night, serving two songs backed by Black Missionaries, and he also had time to play keyboards during Black Missionaries’ performance.
Jai, who left the mantle of Entertainers Promotions to his son, Tonderai, who also missed out, could not hide his excitement with the support.
“I am speechless with the support given. These artists make us proud and, so, continue to support them by buying their music,” he said.
During the celebration, Jai received gifts from people and they included an artwork of a guitar made from scrap metal which was given out by Amaryllis Hotel General Manager Ramy Waheed.
Hosted by Times Group presenter Mimi Ntambo, the party lived up to its billing.
Amapiano star Zeze Kingston closed the chapter, performing after Black Missionaries.
The award-winning artist did not perform for long despite serving his well-known tracks such as ‘Kusangalala’ which had people singing along.
Other acts that spiced up the party included Tuno, Mibawa Band and Gibo Pearson.
