Akinyoola Ayoola

Celebrating ‘Sir’ Jai Banda

On February 2, fun lovers flocked to Scallas’ Cafe in Blantyre, formerly Shelter Club off Kwacha Road, to celebrate the 66th birthday of legendary events manager and music promoter ‘Sir’ Jai Banda of Entertainers Promotion. The popular slogan of “I am not a teacher, I am not a soldier, I am not a lawyer, I am not a manager, I am just an entertainer” echoed during the event to sanction his steadfast legacy which spans over four decades. Jai became a household name from 1980s to 2000 when he managed music events and musicians in the country. Later, he paved the way for his son, Tonderai, mid 2000 who took over as Entertainers Promotion chief executive officer. To many people, particularly musicians who have worked with him, Jai, widely known as Mr Entertainer, is an iconic figure who has devoted his life towards shaping the country’s music industry. For four decades, he has been promoting Malawian music through his Entertainers Promotions, a brand he registered in the 1980s.