Blantyre revellers on Sunday evening got a feel of what is in store at the forthcoming 13th edition of the Sand Music Festival in Salima.

Impakt Events director Lucius Banda was a special guest at the uptown entertainment joint Winehouse in Namiwawa which hosted a welcome home event for Malawian hikers who climbed Kilimanjaro Mountain last week.

Banda and Michael Mountain before the event

Apart from his two-hour performance, Banda also used the platform to announce the list of performers at this year’s event which starts this Friday. The most exciting aspect was the unveiling of reggae artist Michael Mountain who was present during the event.

The rising reggae artist performed four songs to the delight of the patrons, many of whom were seeing him for the first time. ‘Soldier’ himself admitted that he is a huge fan of Michael Mountain.

“Personally, I am a big fan of Michael Mountain. He is an amazing talent. What you have seen here tonight is what you will get in Salima during the festival. We promise to deliver to you a memorable experience,” he said.

The Nkhata Bay-based artist went home a satisfied man too as he auctioned his CDs with two of them going at K100 000 while the rest went at K50 000. That was spiced up with a heart-warming reception to his cameo performance.

He said though the festival will be his first big gig, he will give it his all.

“I am so thankful to my management team for the support and exposure that they are offering me. Now I have a chance to rub shoulders with legends such as Lucius Banda. I am looking forward to the event and I promise nothing, but fireworks,” he said.

The artist is rehearsing with Blantyre-based Mizu Band, which also backed ‘Soldier’ during his performance on Sunday.

One of the hikers, Emmanuel Maliro expressed his appreciation to the management of Winehouse for according them such a treat.

He said: “It a wonderful experience. This treatment means a lot to us and we really feel happy to be part of one big family. As hikers, we are still appealing for more assistance.”

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