By Jimmy Chazama:
The Hive Experience show on Saturday conveyed a buzz of musical intensity, led by youthful artist Eli Njuchi, setting a positive tone for 2025 at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
As headliner, Eli Njuchi— who scooped the Best Album or EP Award at the 2024 Maso Awards held at Comesa Hall in Blantyre on the same night for Jordan Year—led other artists to a musical experience that lived up to its billing.
The night, which also saw artists such as Mazani, Maggie Kadrum, Praise Umali, Driemo, Gwamba, Lulu, Kell Kay and Lawi performing, also gave the audience surprise packages in Zambian star Yo Maps and ‘Controller’ maker Onesimus.
The two were not on the itinerary of the performers but showed up to raise the bar for the concert.
Other artists who performed at the concert were Charisma, Malceba, Veda Njuchi, Kellie Divine, Bee Jay and Chizmo Njuchi.
Gwamba, widely known as The Landlord, once again took time out to collaborate with Praise Umali during his set where they served songs such as ‘Mukadalitsa’ and ‘Plan’.
The concert showed its class and creativity when Eli Njuchi appeared from another stage, which was concealed behind a curtain, and the audience went into cheers when he eventually started singing.
Eli Njuchi’s performance later turned emotional when the artist offered the track ‘Maine’, a song dedicated to his mother.
His parents joined him on stage as he performed the song.
It was after Eli Njuchi had finished his performance on the second stage that Yo Maps invaded the main stage, attracting cheers from members of the audience.
Yo Maps and Eli Njuchi went on to serve the hit ‘Yabaya’, before the Zambian artist dished out his own songs.
“I am excited to be here and a big shout out to Eli Njuchi for putting up such a great performance,” he said.
The ‘Tempolale’ star hailed people for showing up for the concert in large numbers.
“I just want to thank God for making this happen. I worked hard to make sure fans got the best show. Next year, it will be big and better,” he said.
