By Jimmy Chazama
Ufulu Festival on Saturday pulled an impressive audience at its 10th anniversary event held at Grand Business Park in Lilongwe.
Being its 10th anniversary, the festival incorporated music, which was served by different artists.
The festival is usually held on July 6, which happens to be the country’s Independence Day, but it was shifted to Saturday due to the mourning period for former vice president Saulos Chilima and eight others, who died in a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba District on June 10 this year.
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Several artists took turns on stage to entertain the audience and these included Gwamba, who also had a spell collaborating with Praise Umali, Kell Kay and Ethel Kamwendo Banda.
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Ufulu Festival Producer Dali Mizaya, who is also a pastor at Flood Church Malawi, expressed satisfaction with the turnout.
Mizaya said people have become used to the festival, as well as the strong interest by young people, especially in its message of freedom that God provides, hence the name Ufulu.
“The huge attendance demonstrates the growing appeal of the festival among people. The impressive turnout has surprised us,” Mizaya said.
He admitted that, this year, they featured fewer artists than during previous editions but was quick to point out that there was more time given to the musicians to serve more and satisfy the audience.
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Umali, famed for the hit ‘Ku Tiyeni’, said he enjoyed the festival.
“I got an amazing energy from the crowd when I was on stage. Seeing so many people supporting me and singing along to my songs was incredible.
“I hope that everyone who attended the festival received the message that God intended for them to hear,” Umali said.
Bridget Kaliwo, a resident of Chinsapo, heaped praise on organisers for a well-executed event.
“My spiritual energy grows when I listen to gospel music. The performances gave me what I needed and I should say that I have been blessed,” Kaliwo said.
