Chalamanda, Ndamera relive golden music era

Music legends Giddes Chalamanda and Boniface Ndamera on Saturday turned Nyambadwe Ground in Ndirande Township, Blantyre into a stage for nostalgia as they reminded fans why they remain among Malawi’s most celebrated performers. Malawi music cannot be discussed without mentioning Lucky Stars’ Ndamera composition, Chinafuna Mbale. The same is the case with Chalamanda and his Linny hit.

In the meantime, Afro-beat star Keturah and Kasambwe Brothers Band also rocked the populous township for the concert on Saturday. At 95, Chalamanda showed little sign of slowing down. Backed by a live band, he treated the packed venue to some of his evergreen songs, including Akazi Ndimawaya and Buffalo Soldier, while entertaining the audience with his trademark humour and storytelling.

“If I die, I will not music again. And I repeat, I sung Buffalo Soldier in 1975. I thank Malawians for their support.

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This festival gives us another platform,” said Chalamanda. Fans, young and old, sang along to the familiar lyrics, turning the performance into a celebration of his enduring legacy. On his part, Ndamera, who first met Chalamanda in the 1970s, followed with an equally nostalgic set.

He took the audience down memory lane with familiar songs, including Chinafuna M’bale, drawing loud sing-alongs and cheers from fans who knew every word. As if that was not enough, contemporary artist Keturah brought youthful energy to the festival. Organised by Alliance Francaise de Blantyre formerly Jacaranda Cultural Centre the Sounds of Malawi Festival also featured the Jaca Kids and the Jacaranda African Ensemble, whose performances celebrated Malawi’s cultural heritage through traditional instruments such as the marimba, mbira, musical bows, drums and horns.

At the end of the event, Blantyre City Deputy Mayor Gerald Lipikwe expressed excitement that the event was successful. “These are great and memorable events for the city and we appreciate the efforts by our partners,” he said Sounds of Malawi is often held on Thursday evenings at Alliance Francaise de Blantyre..

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