Gospel musician Gift Phiri Mlenga, who has gained ground with his song General (Jenala) finally launched his album Jesus Christ is My General at Robins Park in Blantyre on a cold Sunday.
With two other events happening on the same Sunday – a Michael Usi public lecture at Comesa Hall and a soccer match between Be Forward Wanderers and Wizards FC at Kamuzu Stadium, both venues closer to Robins Park, Mlenga’s launch failed to pull an impressive audience.
This however, did not put off the gospel musician, who was making a comeback in a show tagged Gospel Explosion after staying out of the stage for a long time.
Other artists which included Neligo Women’s Choir and James Phiri warmed up the stage for Mlenga.
His entry was impressive as he entered the Robins Park Hall not from the back stage but from the main entrance whilst singing and dancing with his dancing team.
Dressed like a General, the musician captured the attention of the audience during entry.
He entered the hall whilst singing his anthem General and the audience sang along in unison.
It actually took him time to get on stage as people mobbed him.
Before the musician went on with his set, he asked the audience to join him for some seconds remembering renowned singer Grace Chinga, who died in March this year.
However, having started with pomp upon entry, his performance slowed a bit on stage as the musician lacked the much needed energy on stage.
It seems he still needs more rehearsals to be more energetic on stage and appeal to the audience.
His voice also lacked the punch during his performance as the sound overshadowed it.
The artist said he was not at all disappointed with the turnout.
“I am not disappointed with the turnout; I have been out for sometime so I am satisfied with the people, who came. I cannot complain but thank God that the launch has been successful,” said Mlenga.
On some of the shortfalls noticed during his performance, the musician said he will catch up as he has been out of the stage.
“I tried my best and I hope to get there and polish up some of the gaps when I will go to Lilongwe,” said the musician.
He performed a few songs from his new album before taking some time to rekindle memories of his past exploits with Dunstan Kapitapita, dishing out Diso Langa.
Other songs he offered on the day off his latest album which he recorded in different studios include Tilipano and Mwini Wake Ndinu.
The other songs people can sample in the 10- track album are Kukhala Naye, Matamando, Bwenzi Langa, Bwera Udzaone and Mamuna wa Mtanda.
Before he bowed out of the stage, Mlenga also performed the song General for the second time.
There was also an auction during the launch which lasted for a few minutes as people came forward to buy the CD.
However, some people complained heavily later after master of ceremonies Aubrey Kusakala announced that Great Angels Choir and Kamuzu Barracks were not available.
Some shouted on top of their voices that organisers take them for a ride by putting some artists on their lineup, who do not show up.
Kusakala said he did not know the reasons as to why Kamuzu Barracks and Great Angels did not show up.
But Mlenga said Kamuzu Barracks was engaged in other duties hence could not make it whilst Great Angels could also not make it because its lead singer, had wedded on Saturday.
Great Angels Music Director Ephraim Zonda said yesterday that they were not part of the launch in Blantyre.
“There was no agreement that we would perform in Blantyre. Our programme is only for the launch in Lilongwe,” said Zonda.
After Mlenga’s performance on the day came Favoured Martha, who offered two songs before Ethel Kamwendo Banda closed the chapter and had people dancing throughout when he dished out a reggae song Wokondana.
Mlenga said the launch was the beginning of more performances for him.
The launch next comes to Umodzi Park in Lilongwe on August 5 and then Sheaffer Marquee on August 21.
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