‘Sir’ Paul Banda impresses Mzuzu fans at Squirrels Park
The DVD “The Best of Sir Paul Banda, The Journey of Me” was launched in style at Squirrels Park in Mzuzu recently with hits such as Chimwemwe, Malilime, Konzani Moyo and Mudzigona Panyumba .
Under Anthu Ambiri Records, the songs on the DVD, The First and The Best of Sir Paul Banda, have been taken from his 16 albums.
The legend explained that his band is called “Anthu a Mbiri” because it comprises music artists who have a legacy; those who have made names for themselves over the years. These include Rod Valamanja, Simon and Kendall, Kanthu Kalinda, Post Negative, Joseph Mkasa and Sir Paul Banda himself.
First to appear on stage was Kanthu Kalinda and came with a pure reggae touch as he played copied numbers like “Sina Makosa”, “Munyarazi”, “Saganiza Zopita ku Ntchito” by Love Aquarius and “Ulendo Wanga” by Maurice Maulidi.
He played all these numbers that were not his own compositions but turned them into pure reggae and fans were mesmerized.
Then came Simon, an ex seminarian from Kachebere Major Seminary and co-proprietor of Luso Television, who announced that his compatriot Kendall could not make it because he was ill. He dished out numbers that fans expected including “Nyemba Nyemba”, “Mmemo”, “Nkhwiko Yanga”, and many others.
When Rod Valamanja came on stage, he reminded fans of his earlier days as he played “Anali ndi Cholinga”, “Ndigwire Mtengo Wanji?” and many other tracks.
Valamanja was followed by Post Negative and as expected, it was his song “Undiberekere Mwana” that amused fans. Fans were excited to note that the hoarse voice they hear in that track is that of a teenager.
Then Sir Paul Banda. The 54 year old lead guitarist and vocalist was backed by Peter Kayira on the bass guitar, Kanthu Kalinda on keyboards, Rod Valamanja on the rhythm guitar, Chifundo Chambwinja on drums while Simon backed him with vocals.
Dressed in a grey safari suit and playing the lead guitar and main vocals himself, Sir Paul Banda welcomed fans with his famous track “Malilime” which sent fans into a frenzy as everybody rose to their feet. He also played “Ndidzatani Ambuye Wanga”, “Mbusa Wabwino”, “Nthawi”, “Ndidzatamanda Ambuye”, “Mtendere” and “Muzigona ku Nyumba”.
He then announced that he was switching to his reggae compositions and dished out “Tiime Pamodzi”, “Konzani Moyo”, Ndakhala Naye” and “Zonse N’zabwino”.
As he was saying bye to fans, the crowd requested him to play “Malilime” again which he did and went off stage leaving fans very satisfied with his magical hands and fingers on the lead guitar as well as his never changing soft and touching voice.
Phungu Joseph Mkasa was the last on stage.and dished out his best.
Upon paying K3,000.00 at the entrance, each individual was given the DVD that was being launched.
Speaking to Nyasa Times after playing his part, Sir Paul Banda said he was happy to be at Squirrels Park and enjoyed entertaining Mzuzu fans.
“I started playing music way back in 1978 and I was a founder of Alleluyah Band in the early 80s,” he said.
“I will be releasing a new album next year titled ‘Dalitsani Ana Anu’. I can assure you that I will maintain my touch,” he added.
One woman, Doreen Mhura, who was among the patrons said, “When you listen to music by Paul Banda, you know you are in Malawi and you are really a Malawian. I have been reminded of my past primary and secondary school days. Sir Paul Banda should be coming to Mzuzu twice or thrice a year. We really had fun!”
Paul started his musical journey in 1978, when with the help of a Roman Catholic Priest, he established Alleluya Band.
This band, through its music, has evangelised while singing life with joy for close to four decades without a break.
Most musicians, including Lucius, Billy Kaunda, Mlaka Maliro, Coss Chiwalo, Charles Sinetre, Charles Nsaku, Patrick ‘Abigi’ Tung’ande and Joseph Tembo, shot to fame, directly or indirectly, through Alleluya Band and IY Studios.
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