Ndife Amodzi Blantyre concert shunned

Genre : Event evaluations
Principal country concerned : Column : Music
Release/publication date : December 2015
Published on : 12/02/2015
Source : http://timesmediamw.com/ndife-amodzi-blantyre-concert-shunned/ 9 February 2015


Three concerts dubbed #Ndife Amodzi aimed at raising funds in aid of flood victims were held in Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre on Saturday.



However, the concert at Robin's Park in Blantyre suffered a setback through a low patronage which saw them only realising K81,000 on the gate.



Gospel concerts have been held at this 2,000 plus capacity venue which have attracted huge audiences but on Saturday it was a different story as the hall was almost empty. Some people were even overheard saying it is a shame that people decided to stay away of the show which was meant for a good cause.



Mayor of the City of Blantyre Noel Chalamanda, was present during the concert and hailed the few that came saying they had done well to be part of helping flood victims.



"Your presence here is very important and it shows you have the love for our brothers and sisters who have been affected by the floods. That is the spirit and I would like to thank you all for this gesture. I also would like to thank all the artists that have taken their time to perform this afternoon," said Chalamanda.



Despite the poor turnout, the concert however, went on as scheduled with both secular and gospel artists sharing the stage.



Reggae group Soul Raiders, who travelled all the way from Lilongwe to Blantyre to be part of the concert said it was unfortunate that not many people came to the show.



"As artists we cannot reach out to all the affected people in various parts of Malawi but through solidarity we thought we should come together, entertain Malawians through our performances and raise something. This is why we didn't hesitate but come all the way from Lilongwe," said a member of the reggae group Prince Martin.



The reggae group, which recently released their latest album Reggae Revolution, offered some reggae vibes including the popular hit 'Patse Patse Nkulanda.'



Veteran gospel musician Wycliffe Chimwendo, who has been out of the picture also performed during the concert.



"As one of the artists that God blessed me with a talent, I thought of using this talent to come and perform so that we get something and help the flood victims," said the 'Wanga ndi Yesu,' star, calling upon fellow artists to participate when there are such concerts.



Gospel songstresses Favoured Martha and Princess Chitsulo showed their prowess during the concert as they put up impressive performances which attracted cheers from the sizeable audience.



Princess Chitsulo, famed for the hit 'Ndizayimba Nyimbo,' which she composed when she was struggling with the heart before she went to South Africa for treatment, performed the same song during the concert offering hope to those affected that " all will be well" and before that she also performed another song which was a special dedication to the flood victims.



Edgar ndi Davis Band closed the chapter on the afternoon and started their act with the song 'Musamabwerere Kumudzi,' calling upon people to come together to support those affected by the floods. The group missing the services of Edgar Kachere, who vocalist and guitarist Davis Njobvu said was in France then went on to offer 'Wazelezeka,' before signing off with 'Kalekale.'



Other artists who performed during the concert include ethno-musician Waliko Makhala, Mibawa Band, Gloria Manong'a and Faith Mussa.



Some people and artists blamed the organisers for compromising the concert saying they did not do enough in terms of advertising and also questioned as to where there were two shows happening in the same city for the same cause.



"This show was supposed to be big and it could have had more artists. I think they did not do enough in terms of advertising and again how do you have two concerts in Blantyre on the same day for the same cause? Why not come together and perform at one venue? Musicians Association of Malawi (Mum) and all those involved could have made sure that there were no other artists holding separate shows," said Jacob Mwale, referring to another concert which was held at Blue Diamond, a few kilometers from Robin's Park.



The show at Blue Diamond featured artists like Mafo, Barry One and Nepman and it attracted a better audience.



Mibawa Band Chief Executive John Nthakomwa, who spearhead the Ndife Amodzi show in Blantyre said he was disappointed with the turnout.



"As Mibawa, we will donate 300,000 to Red Cross Monday so that the Ndife Amodzi Initiative in BT does not go down in vain. On the door we made K81,000, out of this K45,000 was paid to Red Cross and the other amount went to security as we hired the police and G4s. It's sad that people shunned the concert," said Nthakomwa.



The concert in Mzuzu also suffered a setback due to heavy rains according to one of the artists Tiwonge Hango, while in Lilongwe, one of the organisers Zilanie Nyundo said they will issue a press statement.

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