By Jimmy Chazama
Music lovers, including Vice President Michael Usi, on Saturday got treated to a feast of music during a fundraising show dubbed From The Ashes at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. The concert was organised to raise funds for rapper Tay Grin following a loss of property to a fire accident last month.
It attracted renowned musicians who shared the stage with others. It was not yet clear as we went to press on Sunday as to how much had been raised from the fundraiser.
DEEP IN SONG—Temwa (left) and Lawi perform— Pictures by Jimmy Chazama
Apart from Tay Grin, popularly known as Nyau King, the line-up included Kell Kay, Temwa, Lulu, Gwamba, Lawi and legendary Giddes Chalamanda, who flew to the capital city courtesy of organisers of the concert.
Now in his 90s, Chalamanda, better known as Agidde, showed that he still has the verve when he, at one time, danced, reminding the audience of his heydays. Backed by son Cliff, who also played the acoustic guitar, the ‘Liny’ and ‘Buffalo Soldier’ maker performed to his finest, attracting cheers from the audience.
Aside from music performances, there was a game known as Roast of Tay Grin, a comedic segment that saw the Vice President roasting Tay Grin with a joke of his marital status—sending the audience in stitches.
Hosted by Cynthia Zonde Zulu, the concert went all the way to the early hours of yesterday, with Tay Grin closing the curtain.
The Malawi Tourism Council Ambassador, who fuses urban sounds with traditional dances including Gule Wamkulu served a number of songs including ‘Tcha’.
“The show was amazing; something that has defined unity among people from all walks of life. This means more,” he said.
He thanked the Vice President for his support as well as the organising team, led by Lawi, for putting up a top concert.
Lawi also applauded people for showing up for the concert. “We started this as an idea but today it has turned into a reality and patronised by an impressive audience, including the Vice President,” the singer and guitarist said
He said they did not set a target on how much they were to raise but, rather, wanted to highlight the spirit of togetherness in times of in need.
A resident of Area 47, Judith Mlenuka, who patronised the event, said she enjoyed every moment of it. “The performances were super. I enjoyed Giddes Chalamanda’s songs,” Mlenuka said.
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