It was a Namafans night at Sunbird Mount Soche on Sunday when Zambia-based Malawian musician Patience Namadingo rocked the house in a Mother’s Day treat.

In an event organised by City Side Media, the artist took patrons, predominantly ladies, through a repertoire that lasted close to two hours.

Namadingo: Every time I sing, I feel God is happy

The list included songs that have made a name for him.

There was peace etched in Mtendere. The 2010 song in his album Tili ndi Yesu shot him to fame and that performance, his first this year in the commercial capital, rekindled fond memories.

He did renditions of love songs such as Maury, Sakaka, among others, ensuring that the patrons had a pleasant night. But, arguably so, it was Mapulani that was the toast, with patrons repudiating their seats for the dance floors.

The catcalls were a clear show of love. “Dakta (doctor) anavaya kalekale,” a patron could shout. “The currency is love,”  another could chip in.

At one point, the artist could not help, but blow his own trumpet.

“Magaye, ineyo ndimatha kuimba and every time I sing, I feel God is happy. There are a thousand and one musicians in Malawi, but I flew down here for you guys and I am happy,” he said.

It was a two-man band, with Lewis Chitheka manning the keyboards. A highly interactive show it was, a thing his manager James Makunje hailed.

He said: “This is a highly interactive show where patrons connect deeply with the artist. For the love of mother today and forever, Patience has been happy to be part of this event.”

Equally elated was Petros Kubwalo, City Side Media’s special events coordinator.

After the show, he said: “He gave his all. He showed us that he has clout as an international artist. It was great for him to be part of the affair to celebrate the mother figures in our families.”

Before he took centre stage, Lucky Stars were, as usual, on point. The acoustic group did several songs, apart from the evergreen Chinafuna M’bale. The most apt song for the night was Amayi, a dig into motherly love.

Lucky Stars band leader Boniface Ndamera, in an interview after the curtain dropped, said: “There is great love in mothers. Imagine, they have unborn babies for nine solid months! Then, they lactate, provide them food and help children grow. We need to celebrate their love.”

Sofret Jalasi, a patron, said the show left her ecstatic, in spite of a few flaws.

“It was pretty enjoyable. Only that the food was not served in time. It was served after the affair, when we were ready to go back home,” she said, in the company of her nine-year-old son.

Apart from the musical performances, the night also saw an expressive dance showing the love of mother and a panel discussion on the subject.

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