Green Labels launch Sanabwele

04/04/2014

THIS was a show that was almost ruined by, first, the speeches, and secondly, the poor sound system.
First, the speeches!
No sooner did the masters of ceremony announce that the programme would start with speeches than there were protests in the audience.
“We haven’t paid to listen to speeches,” one woman could be heard shouting in the front row at Lusaka’s Kalahari Hotels and Lodges where the Zambia National Service (ZNS) outfit Green Labels was launching its latest album titled Sanabwele last Friday.
Most audience members were evidently in agreement with her.
So, what was in the speeches?
Colonel Godfrey Kabwe, chief of logistics in the ZNS gave the speech on behalf of the service commandant after being invited to the stage by director of sports, culture and education Colonel Matthias Banda.
He said the album launch signified the commitment of ZNS in supporting arts in the country and also in upholding the cultural heritage that the nation continues to enjoy.
“The Green Labels band since inception has concentrated on producing adult contemporary music that has commanded a huge following from the young and old folk alike. In our quest to ensure that the goal of music is upheld; which is to inform, entertain and educate, the band has continued to aim at churning out music that touches all the key aspects of life.
“Sanabwele, just like its preceding albums, is one album that depicts national character, as it has touched on all the provinces as a way of consolidating our cherished One Zambia One, Nation motto especially as we celebrate our country’s jubilee year,” Col. Kabwe said.
Indeed, that is true.
With the speeches done, the stage was set for the musicians to perform. Yet, it was not smooth; the sound system continuously worked against them, and the frustration was evidently clear on the musicians.
However, Angela Nyirenda started brightly as she churned-out a number of her hit songs. It was not long before some members of the audience joined in, with one male patron who was balancing his alcohol bottle on his head but still managing to dance almost effortlessly impressing Angela to the extent that she was compelled to call him up-stage. On stage, he proved equal to the task, taking on one of Angela’s dancers at her own dance.
Green-horn musician Shimpanzi (George Mulowa), who at first seemed misplaced to be found on the same line-up as Angela, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) band Air Power and the main entertainers Green Labels, surprisingly accounted for himself well with his live performance.
For Air Power and Green Labels, Kalahari is a familiar hunting ground for them, but they obviously left the venue cursing the poor sound system.
But make no mistake; they will be back at the venue to entertain their faithful fans.