The highly anticipated Afro Fest debuted at Malawi Square, home to the Bingu International Convention Centre under Umodzi Park in Lilongwe. The event featured a mix of Nigerian and Malawian music scenes, with performers such as Bayanni, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, and Teni from Nigeria, and several Malawian artists. Fans were excited to see four Nigerian performers share the stage with their local counterparts. Despite the country's fuel challenges, large numbers of people turned out for the show.
Organisers of the event had made arrangements with taxi operators to help fans travel to and from the venue, ensuring that the fuel challenges did not hinder attendance. However, the programme, which was scheduled to start at 4pm, did not begin until about 10pm. During the delay, DJs kept the music going, and hosts worked to keep the audience engaged. The wait finally ended with the first performer, Mic Mash, taking to the stage, changing the mood of the crowd.
Mic Mash was followed by Lady Aika, Zonke, Too Fresh, and Aidfest, who managed to keep the audience entertained. Malawian artists Kineo, Merchah, Charisma, Joe Ikon, and Temwah continued the energy, showcasing the best of Malawi's music scene before the Nigerian acts took centre stage. The night's mood shifted with the appearance of the first Nigerian performer, Bayanni, who set the tone for the rest of the performances.
Ladipoe followed Bayanni, bringing rap into the mix with familiar songs like Feeling, Know You, Running, No Level, and Many People. Johnny Drille then took the stage, opening his set with Believe Me, which drew fans into his performance. He also performed How are you (My Friend), Wait for Me, and Colorado, his collaboration with Ayra Starr and Young Jonn.
In an interview backstage, Johnny Drille commended Kell Kay for organising the show and praised the support he received from the audience. He also hinted at the possibility of working on a project with a Malawian artist, specifically mentioning Kell Kay as a potential collaborator. The night continued with more performances, including a set by Teni, before Zeze brought the long night of performances to an end around 5am.
For Beyond Marketing, the organisers of Afro Fest, the event marks the beginning of a platform that will bring African musicians together to share the stage and give audiences access to music from across the continent. The company's communications manager, Sellah Chiuye, expressed the desire for the platform to grow beyond its inaugural edition, with African artists contributing to its programme in future.
The success of Afro Fest, despite initial delays and logistical challenges, demonstrates the potential for African music events to bring people together and celebrate the continent's rich musical heritage. The event has set the stage for future collaborations and performances, with fans eagerly anticipating what the future holds for Afro Fest and the artists who performed.
Key points
- The Afro Fest brought together Nigerian and Malawian musicians for a night of performances in Lilongwe, Malawi.
- Despite initial delays and fuel challenges, the event was a success, with large numbers of fans in attendance.
- The platform aims to grow beyond its inaugural edition, with African artists contributing to its programme in future.
