Alleluya Band to embark on European tour with performances in Italy and Portugal
Malawi's Balaka-based musical group, Alleluya Band, has announced their upcoming tour of Europe, which includes over 40 shows in Italy and their participation in the World Youth gathering in Lisbon, Portugal, attended by Pope Francis. The group will travel to Italy in June and will use the opportunity to raise funds for different projects at Andiamo. They had been unable to undertake the tour for the past two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Alleluya Band leader, Paul Subili, expressed excitement and said that they are looking forward to showcasing the best of Malawian sound to European audiences. Before the Europe tour, the group plans to have warm-up performances, including a show to celebrate Subili's 45th birthday and 45th anniversary of Alleluya Band.
During the tour, the group will perform various sets, including one where members perform their own songs, Alleluya Band songs, and songs by other artists such as Soldier Lucius Banda and Sir Paul Banda, who were part of Alleluya Band. The group's oldest members, Coss Chiwalo and lead guitarist Samson Chikoti, are also looking forward to giving the best of Malawian sound to audiences in Europe.
Alleluya Band recently debuted at the Sounds of Malawi Acoustic Session at Jacaranda Cultural Centre in Blantyre, where they mesmerised the audience with their performance. Chiwalo introduced his daughter, Anna, who is also part of the group and pursued music at Music Crossroads Academy in Lilongwe.
The European tour is a routine annual outing for the band, providing an opportunity to sell Malawi to Europe while raising funds for different projects at Andiamo. The group is expected to return to Malawi by the end of July or early August.