Paul Banda soars in Blantyre concert
Balaka-based legendary musician Paul Banda was the toast of the moment during the launch of gospel singer Joseph Chirwa’s By My Spirit Says the Lord album held at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on a cold Friday night.
Chirwa was the main headliner during the launch but Paul was simply the centre of attraction and he brought the Njamba room which attracted a sizeable audience on fire with his performance.
From the word go, Paul left no stone unturned and backed by Malimba Band and not his usual Alleluya Band, he took the audience on a journey of his music dishing out well known songs which had people singing along.
He was the last to perform on the night and he left the stage when the audience was still enjoying his music vibes such that some could not help it but call for more.
But time was up and he could not continue his performance.
Unlike with Alleluya Band which knows Paul’s style inside out, there were still some gaps in terms of the sound which was not that original and there was a clear indication that the old-timer, who stormed the Njamba room with an already tuned guitar did not have enough rehearsals with Malimba Band to tighten up the loose ends.
But despite this setback the audience enjoyed the performance which saw the veteran singer and guitarist dishing out songs such as ‘Malilime,’ ‘Chimwemwe,’ and ‘Zonse Nzabwino.’
“I am excited to perform here. It was a very good show and Joseph Chirwa has set a mark because in most cases as musicians we underrate ourselves by holding shows in other low venues but it’s high time we treated our fans to such executive launches,” said Paul.
The musician, who will be launching his first ever DVD next month also said that he did not have problems performing with Malimba Band which has talented instrumentalists.
Paul jumped on stage soon after the audience had sampled the performance of Chirwa, who is more of a worshipper.
Chirwa turned the Njamba room which saw the presence of several pastors and bishops including Archbishop Mark Kambalazaza into a centre of praise and worship.
He has a powerful voice and he showed the energy and the zeal that he loved what he was doing on stage.
Backed by a team of talented singers which included Harriet Phiri, Ruth Mputeni and Eliza Mponya, he moved souls in the room although he still has a long way to go to polish up his voice to fit the singing world.
He at onetime invited to the stage singer Mau K, who helped in polishing his voice ahead of the launch.
His 12-track album which was recorded at One Heart Studio has songs such as ‘Chikondi,’ ‘Rise and Shine,’ ‘Yehova M’busa Wanga,’ ‘Woyera,’ and ‘Increase and Multiplication.’
The album eked over K1 million during auction.
Some of the songs are not his own compositions as they have been taken from hymns and well known choruses but he has performed them in his own style.
“It was a very good event; people came to support me which included church leaders. People worshipped and responded to the songs,” said Chirwa.
He said he is also targeting holding a similar event where he wants to shoot a live DVD.
The executive CD launch also saw a performance from Apostle Enesia Chitheka Lewis, who returned to the stage after a long time.
She was vibrant on stage and rekindled memories of the Chitheka Family’s past exploits dishing out songs such as ‘Mfuneni.’
“I am happy to be back on stage, it was a nice event and its been sometime since I performed at such a platform and people should look forward to volume 5 DVD,” said Chitheka Lewis.
Youthful singer Chicco Mulera also performed during the executive launch which saw people being served with food.
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