One People Band in Malawi: ‘Reggae by foot’ concert to shake Lilongwe
The One People Band, formerly of ‘The Slaves’ are expected to jet into the country on Wednesday afternoon through Janus International Airport “KIA” ready for a Reggae by Foot Concert slated for Saturday at Civo Stadium, according to The Entertainers Manager Tonderai Banda who are the organisers of the show.
One People Band, formerly The Slaves of Lucky Dube has Rasen Thuthukani Cele and Sista Phumi at its core.
In an interview with Nyasa Times, Banda said the band will arrive at 5pm in the Malawi capital city.
“The Rastas will be in the country on Wednesday afternoon throug KIA. From there there will be a press briefing before they are treated to a special welcoming activity at a lodge,” said Banda.
He said so far, all the preparations for the first international reggae show have been done with the new state of the art stage already being erected at the venue, Civo Stadium.
“Malawians on Saturday are going to think they are in Las Vegas. It will be a splendid night as the lighting is going to be splendid with the sound quality that will amaze many. No international artist has performed on a stage like that in Malawi,” he said.
Malawi an artists which will support the show which will start at 10am include The Black missionaries, Anthony Makondetsa, Skeffa Chimoto, Billy Kaunda, Postive Yut and many others.
Advanced tickets are being sold at K5000 and K7000 at the gate.
Thuthukani Cele was the man who helped craft Lucky Dube ’s inimitable sound and toured the world during the 80s with African’s reggae king. The keyboardist parted ways with the group when Lucky was at his peak, forming the Slaves, who released a few albums in the early 90s before changing their name to the One People Band.
Following Dube’s tragic death in 2007, Cele and co were left flying the flag for local roots reggae (although struggling to fill Dube’s giant shoes), along with the current incarnation of the Lucky Dube Band.
The “One People” band rose from the ashes of pain caused by the tragic passing of their talented and charismatic leader, Lucky Dube in October 2007.
Stepping up to the microphone is the amiable and equally charming Thuthukani Cele, and “Thuthu” as he is known to his fans is doing a remarkable job bringing Lucky Dube’s prophetic words to local audiences who have suddenly developed an insatiable appetite for the tunes, devouring each word and nuance.
The band has now performed in numerous major festivals in South Africa receiving standing ovations with each performance.
