By Jimmy Chazama
The second edition of Kumbali Live Music Concert lived up to its billing as it attracted a massive audience at Kumbali Country Lodge in Lilongwe on Saturday.
Patrons, who included government officials, grooved all night, delighting in the sounds of the local cast of Lawi, Eli Njuchi, Praise Umali and George Kalukusha, who shared the stage with South African musician Simmy.
The musical feast, sponsored by Standard Bank plc to the tune of K40 million under the banner of Joy of the Arts initiative, kept the stage lively throughout.
Kalukusha and Lawi, who also performed at the debut show last year, and Umali showed their guitar skills.
As one of the main organisers of the concert, Lawi warmed the stage for Simmy, serving songs such as ‘Whistling Song’, ‘Amaona Kuchedwa’, ‘Therere’, and ‘Phukira’.
“We are thrilled with the turnout. Standard Bank’s sponsorship has been instrumental. We plan to add more artists for the third edition,” the singer and guitarist, who is working on a new album said.
Then came Simmy— performing for the first time in the country and following up on fellow South African Ami Faku’s successful outing last year—who pulled the strings and charmed the audience.
People sang along to some of the songs she served. Standard Bank Head of Brand and Marketing Tamanda Ng’ombe emphasised the bank’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and promoting local talent.
“As we celebrate 55 years in Malawi, we believe in driving growth and the contribution of arts to the economy,” Ng’ombe said.
