Africa-Press – Malawi. Sounds of Malawi Acoustic Session returned in great steam on Thursday after a short festive break at Jacaranda Cultural Centre (JCC) in Blantyre, bringing performances of ethno-musician Waliko Makhala, saxophonist and music lecturer Rick Deja, Agorosso and Jacaranda Cultural Troupe.
The concert attracted an impressive audience that relished the sounds from the four acts, with Jacaranda Cultural Troupe, which opened the performances, roped in at the 11th hour.
The youthful group, that excited the audience with their performance that was artistically blended with dance, with Joyce Mtepa leading in vocals, came in following the pulling out of Keturah due to circumstances beyond her control.
In their songs, Jacaranda Cultural Troupe tackled a number of issues and they underlined their strength by remaining faithful to traditional elements which are mostly neglected by young people.
They left the stage on fire with their track ‘Zione’, which calls upon young people to work hard in their studies and refrain from bad behaviour that could ruin their future.
Waliko, who happens to be the host of Sounds of Malawi, was next and known for his sound that he dubs ‘Bush Music’, performed with Deja, who is based in South Africa. Deja, armed with his saxophone and percussions, reinforced Waliko’s set that also had his son Elisha on trumpet.
In his singing, Waliko also shared a story of his connection with Deja, who he met long time ago and, over the years, they recorded several artists including the late Stonard Lungu.
And, so, to rekindle memories with Stonard, they performed his track titled ‘Anachita Chobaya’ with Deja standing out with his saxophone. The audience appreciated the traditional elements in their performance but there was also a fusion of jazz.
“I am excited to be here. Malawi is my second home, actually it is my first because my wife is from here and I met her during Sounds of Malawi Acoustic Session,” Deja, who has performed with lots of artists in the country including Black Missionaries, said.
The saxophonist, who has engaged several Africa artists at the University of Cape Town where he lectures, said he was impressed with the concert. “There is so much talent in Malawi and I am happy with the way young people are fusing in different elements to come up with different sounds. I am looking at doing something this year as well,” he said.
JCC Director Luc Deschamps said, through Sounds of Malawi, they want to raise the profile of the country’s music and that they were happy with the strides they have made so far.
“We are thankful to people for coming out tonight and, being the first performance of Sounds of Malawi, we are looking forward to the best this year. We have lots of activities this year and for JCC, we are open to work with artists in all artistic disciplines,” Deschamps said.
Agorosso, with his Lower Shire sounds, also did well on the night and on his menu included the track ‘Folly’, which pulled people to the dancefloor, with Waliko stepping in at the end to close the curtain.
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