Musicians joined other players to show up for veteran promoter Jai Banda during his 66th birthday celebration at Scallas Café in Blantyre on Sunday.
Some of the musicians who were part of the birthday party and performed included Lilongwe-based Six Solid Band, Black Missionaries, Anthony Mr Cool Makondetsa, Khozie Masimbe, Makasu Band, Sam Simakweli and Johnny Zembani Banda as well as Dennis Kalimbe from Ndirande Anglican Voices.
The birthday party lived up to its billing, with people enjoying with Banda, who is popularly known as Mr Entertainer in the music circles.
The iconic promoter used to drive Entertainers Promotions before he left its management to son Tonderai.
The dress code for the birthday celebration, which was hosted by Selekta Rokaz, was white attire but some people failed to observe it by putting on attire with other colours.
Starting on Sunday, the birthday celebration went all the way to the early hours of yesterday, with the audience enjoying live performances, with Black Missionaries, led by Anjiru Fumulani, closing the curtain.
There was also a moment when the audience sampled a performance of DJ Zimbabwe, who journeyed all the way from Zimbabwe to be part of the birthday celebration of Mr Entertainer, who is credited with bestowing musicians with nicknames.
One of such artists is Makondetsa.
“We cannot talk about Malawi music without mentioning the name of Mr Entertainer Jai Banda. This is why we came over to celebrate his birthday and perform. The name Mr Cool was given to me by Mr Entertainer,” the ‘Mu Yuda’ creator said in between his set.
Makondetsa warmed up for Black Missionaries, offering songs such as ‘Suzampeza’ and ‘Fire Time’.
Six Solid Band was the first to hit the stage before Makasu Band took over.
Makasu Band, featuring veteran players such as Collen Ali on lead guitar, Peter Likhomo on bass and Wallace Ngoma on trumpet, rekindled memories of the group’s feats during the times of Bright Livewire Nkhata as it served a number of songs including ‘Muroyi’.
DJ Zimbabwe had his fair share, showcasing skills on the decks with Harare flashes before Simakweli and Johnny Zembani dished out a mashup, reminding the audience of the sounds of Soldier Lucius Banda.
“I was very good friends with Johnny’s father and he always patronised my birthday celebrations. I gave him the name Soldier and told him he had potential. Today, I am also telling Johnny that he has potential,” Banda, who is also a lawyer, said.
Kalimbe also starred at the birthday party and, backed by Makasu, entertained the audience with songs such as ‘Ndimamvetsera Kumwamba’.
“We, as Ndirande Anglican Voices, are thankful for all what Jai Banda has done to us to be where we are today,” Kalimbe said.
Former broadcaster Gift Mabeya Mbeya also heaped praise on Mr Entertainer, saying he deserved to be celebrated for his immense contributions to the music industry.
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