Armstrong Makes Debut Appearance In North Gospel Explosion

By Nicholas Magaga Msowoya

Throngs of people from all walks of entertainment starved Mzuzu City last Sunday braved the sweltering October heat to shake and marvel at a gospel live performance at the Mzuzu Hotel boma park, with renowned artist Armstrong Kalua making his maiden appearance in the northern region since his sudden switch from secular urban to gospel music.
The artist did not appear a stranger at the gospel game, as he amazed fans with praise and worship choruses that moved people closer to gates of heaven.
“I did not expect Armstrong to perform gospel music in that way,” said Chisomo Lapken, a patron at the show. “He was awesome.”
In addition, patrons and performers agreed that the show which was organized to launch a gospel album for Mzuzu based Owen Kayange was worth its price tag.
Apart from Armstrong, other guest artists at the show included Marvelous Deeds, Peter Uyu Mlangeni, Martha Nthakomwa, Masudi Khonje, Ndirande Anglican Voices, Gloria Fatch and Owen Kayange, whose album launch pulled the artists together.
Speaking in an interview after the show, Francis Phiri of the Lilongwe based Marvelous Deeds expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the show.

Three Man Marvelous Deeds (Phiri, right)

“We feel so honoured that people came out in their large numbers to support us. Mzuzu has recently become very supportive to gospel shows and I want to assure our followers in city that we will be coming to perform here more often,” he said.
Echoing Phiri’s sentiments, another Lilongwe based performer Mlangeni said: “We are making Mzuzu our new home.  In fact, I will be launching my new album titled Ndi Chisomo in Mzuzu very soon, possibly around the festive season.”
One of the patrons who attended the show Charity Munthali, however, did not hide her disappointment with the arrangement of having a Mzuzu based band backing all the artists.
“We wanted to see the entire Ndirande Anglican Voices, not just their leader being backed by a Mzuzu band,” she said.
The same venue is expected to host another gospel show in a week’s time where another Mzuzu based artists Martha Nthakomwa will be launching her album.
Among other artists, the Marvelous Deeds will be in attendance at the coming show.