Mr Magigi shines with ‘Nilibe Pulobulemu’
Zambian musician Mr Magigi real name James Banda finally performed live at Chez Ntemba International in Blantyre in the early hours of Sunday where he only performed two songs including the hit ‘Nilibe Pulobulemu.’
The impressive audience however, had to wait for long to sample Mr Magigi’s act during a show dubbed Malawi versus Zambia battle organised by Impakt Events.
Being a Malawi versus Zambia battle, the show brought on board performances from Malawian artists among them Lambanie Dube, Sam Simakweli, Nepman and Soldier Lucius Banda while the Zambian side had Mr Magigi and Organised Family.
But while the audience wanted to enjoy performances from all the artists on the menu, many wanted to watch Mr Magigi particularly the hit ‘Nilibe Pulobulemu.’
‘Nilibe Pulobulemu’ is a hit song which has taken the country by storm such that even the country’s President Peter Mutharika is aware of the track.’
But for the long wait, Mr Magigi performed only two songs with ‘Nilibe Pulobulemu,’ standing out.
He jumped on stage amidst pomp from the audience but he started his set with a song praising God which was strange to people who could only look at him as he performed.
But this did not keep Mr Magigi down as he went on to finish the song before dishing out ‘Nilibe Pulobulemo,’ which attracted cheers from the audience.
By public demand, Mr Magigi played the lengthy hit three times and bowed out around past 4am with some people not satisfied.
Unlike Organised Family which hass been in the country several times and their songs are familiar, it was difficult for Mr Magigi who could not manage to play songs from his album, he stuck to ‘Nilibe Pulobulemu.’
He said after his performance that he was excited to perform in the country for the first time.
“I never knew that my song is that popular in Malawi and that Malawi’s president is even in love with it,” said Magigi.
The artist, who showed potential in his singing and dancing, insisted that he was not a ‘one track’ musician but he has an album whose songs he would play when he comes back.
“I have a full album only that I could not play the songs here but hope to do that next time I come,” said Mr Magigi.
Organised Family led by the duo of Oga Rex One and Kent said they were happy to be back in Malawi after a one-year absence and revealed that they will be dropping a new album very soon.
The gig was a battle between Malawi and Zambia but the performances on the night were affected because the equipment still lacked in terms of producing a punchy sound and it thus failed to stand the test of an international act.
The sound could hardly be heard at the back with only those closer to the stage being able to capture the voice from the musicians.
There were also gaps in terms of coordination – it seems the Zambian artists and Zembani Band which backed the two Zambian artists did not have intensive practice to bond well.
But despite this setback, the artists went on to share the stage offering their songs with the show starting on Saturday night and spilling over to the early hours of yesterday.
“I think this being an international show, they could have done better on equipment which was to me weak and it needed a boost,” said Jacob Tembo.
During the show Nepman of the ‘Nalelo’ fame, rekindled memories of the past when he dished out some old tracks including ‘A Gondwe,’ and ‘Chauta Wamphamvu,’ which was originally done by late Evison Matafale.
Lucius was also the toast of the moment during the show supported by Zembani Band dancers of Jane Khongwa, Sammy Cool and Khumbo.
The Malawi versus Zambia battle started on Easter Friday at Ngoms Park in Liwonde where it is reported the show attracted a huge audience before going to Chez Ntemba.
Yesterday the show was at Wakawaka in Lilongwe with the last one at Mzuzu Tourist Lodge today.
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