Malawi Fans Promised To Have “The Lira Experience” Says Lira

The South African song bird Lira says her fans in Malawi should get ready for a memorable performance from her this Saturday night at Bingu International Conference Centre.

Lira lands in the country on Friday afternoon. He is coming to perform for the inaugural 'Blue Mingoli' music events platform of Standard Bank.

South Africa's Lira To Headline Blue Mingoli Music Concert

South Africa’s award winning singer Lira to headline this year’s Standard Bank inaugural ‘Blue Mingoli’ music concert scheduled for 24th October, 2015 in Lilongwe.

Lerato Molapo better known by her stage name as Lira, is South Africa’s award winning vocalists whose music is a fusion of soul, funk and Afro-jazz.

Margaret Kubwalo at Chameleon

“The main act for this year’s Standard Bank Blue Mingoli is Lira!” unveiled Margaret Chaika Kubwalo, the Bank’s Head of Personal and Business Banking

Chaika unveiled Lira on Sunday night at Chameleon bar in Lilongwe during a curtain-raiser show where Lulu was the main act supported by Eunice (from Mizu Band) and Nesnes. 

Lulu perfoming Jazz at
Chameleon Pre-show
for Lira 

“Lira is a talented musician who is on top of her game in contemporary music in South Africa. Standard Bank is proud to host her for this year’s concert. And She will share the stage with our own local artist Lulu.” Said Chaika

Chaika: we felt Malawians
would relate to Lira

Speaking in an interview of Lira choice, Chaika said “We looked around, and we felt that Malawian crowd would relate more with Lira for this year”

“Lulu will also curtain raise for her because we want to keep the show locally relevant” added Kubwalo

Lulu playing guitar: to
share stage with Lira

She said Standard bank is focusing on Jazz music because it is a music genre that attracts people across all ages.

At the curtain raiser show, Standard Bank also played a video which Lira speaks to her fans in Malawi. Lira says she looks forward to her performance.

“This is Lira. I am so excited to be performing at this year’s Blue Mingoli concert on the 24th of October. I have heard a lot about the warm heart of Africa and what it has to offer and I’m truly honoured to be invited to headline this event. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all the supporting acts all of the best for the 24th. I am confident that together we are going to give you unforgettable show. See you there!” she said.

Standard Bank has since assured people that preparations for the main show are at an advanced stage and promises more fun from pre-shows lined up for Lilongwe and Blantyre.

Lulu&Eunice perfoming at
Chameleon: they will be
curtain raise Lira show 

The Bank says the pre-show venues will only be in selected entertainment places that resonate well with type of people expected to come for the main show.

Standard Bank Rebrand its Jazz Concert to ‘Blue Mingoli’

Standard Bank's annual music concert 'Joy of Jazz' returns this year with new name 'Blue Mingoli'

Last year, the bank took a break from hosting a main jazz concert, but instead treated its selected customers to a jazz evening with South Africa's contemporary jazz man, Jimmy Dludlu in Lilongwe.

Margaret Kubwalo 

"I am pleased to announce that the main Jazz Concert is back. We have rebranded the concert to "Blue Mingoli" disclosed Margaret Kubwalo-Chaika Standard Bank Head of Personal and Business Banking  

Kubwalo said the rebranding aims to create a relevant platform for the bank's annual jazz concerts while maintaining its objectives of promoting the development of local musicians.

She therefore said Blue Mingoli will maintain legacy where leading Malawian musicians will be invited to share the stage with international artists.

"Under Blue Mingoli, we have created a new platform that resonates with Malawian music lovers, our customers and local musicians

Blue Mingoli will not take away anything from our fans, but rather add icing to a delicious cake." Added Kubwalo

Kubwalo said Blue Mingoli highlights the power of relevant connections that the Standard Bank brand has with its customers who are lovers of music. 

This year's Blue Mingoli concert is scheduled to take place at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe on October 24, 2015.

"We have cast the net wider in terms of the caliber of the international artist we will invite." Said Kubwalo but indicated that the Bank will reveal the identity of the artists soon 

Ahead of the concert, Standard Bank has lined up a series of pre-concert shows at popular entertainment joints in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

In 2012, Standard bank brought South Africa's award-winning artist, Zahara, the following year, the bank invited US Grammy-Award winning jazz master, Earl Klugh.