Mlaka thrills Manchester: Next stop B’ham, Dublin

It was a spectacular treat for dozens of fans who thronged Q Cavern in Manchester on Saturday 27 September as Malawi’s musician Mlaka Maliro thrilled the fun seekers with his stagecraft and popular songs.

Mlaka performed with a live band he had barely practised with for a week in Leeds and support vocals of Bradford based Joe Chimbalangondo.

Of special note was his popular hit Maloto, though released years ago, the lyrics suited the recent Cashgate corruption scandal when he sings that “God revealed other names of people  who were looting public funds” which immediately threw fans into vigorous dancing with extended calls to the singer for more songs.

Mlaka also excited the crowds with song Mama in which he praises and thanks his mother for
the cumbersome job of bringing him up.

He did other famous hits Nditengedwa also known as Chikhwaya cha Mangochi hit song, Kamandidutsadutsa, Mukanenele and Dzanja Lalemba.

Some of the songs he performed included Nkhuku ya Njiru, Achangamuka,, Tonthola, Waolakwa, Tafatsa, NKhanga zaona and Tchalo that ensured that fans stayed on their feet singing along.

With the presence of Miss Malawi UK Rose Mmangisa and princes Angela Kendriks, who at times joined as dancing queens. Mlaka sweated out up to wee hours to resounding cheers from delighted fans.

“I am delighted that people have enjoyed this show. I could keep on performing had it not been there were time limitation,” he said after the show as patrons were having celebrity set of photo opportunity with Mlaka arguably one of the top Malawian musicians.

One of the patrons, Ishmael Kawonga remarked: “This was a good show, lively, Indeed Mlaka ndi Mlaka.”

There was also a supporting performance by rapper Popp Dogg, Malawian based in Ireland.

Meanwhile, organisers of the show – Henry Dokowe Ngwira and Kondi Bowoyeke Munthali – said Mlaka they have organised a “send off” party for Mlaka in Birmingham this coming Saturday the 4th of October where the musician will also perform “by public demand.”

And another show has been organised in Dublin, Republic of Ireland next week.

Mlaka switched from secular music to gospel. But even in secular songs his tracks mostly were extracts from the scriptures.

The artist has however maintained the same beat that made Dzanja Lalemba a bestseller 14 years ago.