For the last 2 weeks, The Editors of Mmalawi Blog were working on a new website that will be soon available to our readers. Here is an interview with the Malawian Hip Hop duo Biriwiri; Malawi's music geniuses.
Following is the first Part of the Interview:
Mmalawi Blog: Could you tell us when you got into the music scene and why? Kabuzi: We had been rapping since we were young. But we formed Biriwiri in 2003 whilst we were in college. After making observations and self-analysis we believed we had the potential to contribute immensely to Malawian hip hop. We felt this was a calling we couldn’t refuse. We saw that our passion for rap could match the challenge ahead of us. From that moment we have never looked back.
Mmalawi Blog: Why the name BIRIWIRI? Any hidden meaning?
Zizwa: When we decided to form the group we stayed for some weeks before coming out to the public during which time, among other things, we were deciding on the name. We wanted something melodic to show our attention to lyrical finesse but also which reflects the values behind our music. So that’s how we got to call ourselves Biriwiri. Biriwiri means ‘greenness’ and it reflects the positivity that our music intends to inspire. As you know the color green brings many positive thoughts. We can cite so many examples. It is deliberately vernacular to show pride in our local language.
Mmalawi Blog: For each one of you what is the greatest love of your lives? Kabuzi& Zizwa: For both of us our greatest love is music. Mmalawi Blog:Whose footsteps do you follow?
Zizwa: We cant mention a specific individual, but we follow men and women who set out their goals and pursue them relentlessly. We follow that principle. Mmalawi Blog: Any Malawian artist(s) you respect? Kabuzi: Malawi has had many talented artists but our special respects go out to Wambali and Lucius Banda for their many achievements and wide adoration they have received. We also respect Allan Namoko, Michael Yekha and Stonard Lungu for their legendary traditional music they left. We feel blessed to have worked with Stonard before he passed on. May his soul rest in peace.
Mmalawi Blog: Tell us about your biggest inspiration, and (or) Malawian hero?
Zizwa: Our biggest inspiration is Jesus Christ.
Kabuzi:For both of us, John Chilembwe is Our Malawian hero
END OF PART 1 Watch the Malawi made music video by Biriwiri
Apart from receiving thousands of dollars from his 5 albums, Malawi music guru Joseph Nkasa has received praise from many Malawians for tackling issues that affect them on a daily basis. The self proclaimed Phungu wa Amphawi or The Ambassador of the Poor sings about poverty and the secrets of attaining richess. He asks the poor to endure and wait patiently for their own day to arrive. In one of his hit song; "Zolembalemba" Nkasa says that it is already written that the poor ones will be rich. It is therefore a written prophecy waiting to be fulfilled at its own time. Joseph Nkasa also sings about politics, though he once said: "Ndale ndi kanyama koopsya" (Politics is a dangerous animal to pet). In his album "Wayenda Wapenga", Nkasa accuses the Malawi President(Bakili Muluzi) to have promised a car to the musician who in turn did not receive it due to greed of those surrounding Muluzi. Recently Joseph Nkasa sung "Mose Wa Lero" or Today's Moses, a song comparing the current Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika to the Biblical Moses. The song has caused some uproar in the Malawian music community. Some have accused the musician of changing his views on politics because of monetary gains while others especially those supporting the Malawian leader dance to the tune while in accord with the artist's comparison. The song "Mose wa Lero" has received massive airplay and it was the "theme song" of the convention of the Democratic Progressive Party(DPP) Convention where Bingu wa Mutharika "Today's Moses" was unanimously chosen to represent his Party at the May 19th Malawi Elections. Bingu wa Mutharika has danced at many public events to Joseph Nkasa's moving music. Watch a Video of Joseph Nkasa; Malawi music 'guru':
Watch women dancing for the President to Joseph Nkasa's Song; Mose wa Lero
Postera Tenthani. "Malawi music video" "Malawi music Youtube" and "Malawi music" are common searches by many curious internet browsers. Their goal is to find music video from Malawi on the internet especially on video sharing websites like Youtube. To satisfy these internet users, Malawian artists like Kenny Gilmore (Amunaamuna on Youtube), Wisdom Qodesh Chitedze(Vinjeru on Youtube) and Kimba Mutanda have created personal Youtube accounts to promote their works. Malawian music can also be accesed on Youtube through the accounts of Jack Chitenje (Malawiana1) Dumisani Kapanga and Herchaklan who provide a mosaic of videos from artists like Lucius Banda, Joseph Tembo, Aphofomoka and even videos of Malawi's presidents Kamuzu Banda, Bingu wa Mutharika and Bakili Muluzi. Interestingly, these Youtube accounts are getting thousands of hits, and comments from viewers. Some videos have sparked heated discussions among viewers who had fights of words and ideas. Many are thankful to video sharing sites like Youtube because they help in connecting Malawians, especially those in the diaspora to their culture. Ndilibe Naye Chifuka (Mwana or Munthu) a video of the Malawian musical reggea group Black Missionaries, was voted 2008 Malawi Web Award Best Video. Videos by artists: Lawrence Mbenjere, Joseph Nkasa, Joe Gwaladi and Fuggie Kasipa are ranking among the most viewed Malawian videos because of their use of humor to tackle serious issues like HIV/AIDS, Unwanted pregnancies,marriage and even politics. Below are some examples of videos of Joe Gwaladi and Lawrence Mbenjere:
NOTE: Due to scheduling conflicts, the Promised Exclusive Interview with Malawi musician Kimba Mutanda will be posted on Malawi Current News (Mmalawi Blog) this coming Monday morning. We apologize for any inconvenience-The Editor.
Postera Tenthani Tay Grin,the 2008 Malawi Musician of the Year (2008 Malawi Web Awards Winner) has been recognized by many as one of the best musicians on the present Malawian music scene. Tay Grin(real name Limbani Kalilani) has worked with renowned Malawian musicians Tapps (Tapiwa) Bandawe, Andrew Kwizombe,Tha Gosple, Dan Lufani and Sally Nyundo. The song, Nyau Music is a fusion of hip hop and traditional Malawian music. Nyau is a Malawian(Chichewa) tradition and religion that bases its beliefs on the fact that the dead are still alive. Nyau Music borrows its chorus from the famous soundtrack of the 1990s cult Tv series Shaka Zulu, the South African powerful and fearless leader of the 16th Century. The Malawi Music video Nyau Music Live by Tay Grin:
Tay Grin was nominated for the prestigious Channel O Spirit of Africa Music Awards under the categories; "Best Male Artist from Africa" and his hit single "Stand Up" was nominated for the "Best South African Video" and "Best Hip Hop Video" Tay Grin urges all Malawians from cities and towns like Lilongwe, Blantyre, Ntcheu, Mponela, Kasungu and Dedza to stand up and dance. Sally Nyundo and Andrew Kwizombe(FM 101 Dj), both Malawian musicians based in Blantyre appear in the video. Watch the video Stand Up by Tay Grin:
This a comment by an outraged fan of Evison Matafale, the African reggae King who died in Lilongwe, Malawi: “Evison Matafale died because of the truth. This is my warning to all you killers: One day it will be your judgment day.Tidzakumana pamtengo wa kachere, ngati si inu ndi mwana wanu, Koma tidzakumana (We will meet, if not with with you, it will be with your children for your well deserved punishment)” In November 2001, the Malawian reggae King, Evison Matafale passed away. He died in police custody. Many consider him as one of the best Malawian musicians of all times. When arrested, Matafale was in poor health and many believe that he died of natural causes, while others blame the use of force by the police and yet others do believe that the singer died as a result of Police negligence. We investigate.
Theory 1 Matafale’s music. His music was not very political in his first album; “Kuyimba 1” Songs like Malawi,Watsetseleka, Chauta Wamphavu,Poison is Sweet covered the themes of love, freedom and power to his fellow Africans. The same themes were emphasized again in his sophomore album; Kuyimba 2 which contained songs like Freedom, Timba, Yangana Nkhope. The Album also contained the hit Time Mark which was about the 2001 September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. In Matafale’s songs, no names of political parties or politicians were mentioned like other African reggae artists would do. (Tiken Jah Fakoly,Alpha Blondy and even the late Lucky Dube). Anyone listening to the albums finds NO apparent reason to use violence against him and his convictions.
Theory 2: Matafale’s ‘Violence’ Evison Matafale was not very happy with the piracy that existed (and still exists) in Malawi so he had a quarrel with the music distributors and the Copyright Society Of Malawi(COSOMA). Days before his imprisonment, Matafale went and broke a table at a music shop owned by OG ISSA a Malawian of East Indian decent as a demonstration that he was not happy for the distributors turned a blind eye on piracy.This incident that happened in Blantyre might have been the reason why he was imprisoned. Though there are still some skeptics.
Theory 3:The Letters to the President It is believed that Evison Matafale wrote letters to the Malawian president Bakili Muluzi to express his anger and unhappiness at the way things were run by the government. Among other things, the artist openly talked about the President’s alleged favoritism of foreigners over Malawians in business dealings. This is for many the real reason behind Matafale’s imprisonment at Maula in Lilongwe. Evison Matafale died at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe with Tuberculosis and some do believe that he died from complications related to the disease while others simply think that he was killed by the Malawi Police. Either way, Evison Matafale died in police custody.
Matafale’s death caused a great uproar in the Malawian music community. Matafale’s backing band, the Black Missionaries took over from where he left with the album Kuyimba 3. The album contained direct hits to the Malawi Government for its alleged negligence on Evison Matafale’s case. Many Malawian musicians mentioned Matafale in their songs and talked about the alleged injustice and corruption affecting the Malawian political system. Billy Kaunda, a musician turned politician sung about the death in a one of his song saying: “Chondigwere, chindigwere nditsatile Matafale” (I’m going to sing very openly and fearlessly so I don’t care what happens to me, even if it will be Matafale’s fate). Watch a Video by Matafale's Backing Band; The Black Missionaries. The Song Mwana Wa Munthu (Ndilibe Naye Chifukwa) accuses the negligence of the Malawi Government(Matafale footage appears in the video:
After getting pressure from the international community, the Malawian president, Bakili Muluzi ordered an inquiry. The inquiry was very controversial especially to the Rasta community because no Rasta was represented in the panel. The controversy even grew when Malawian musician Lucius Banda was also called to take part in the commission as allegedly had been at loggerheads with Evison Matafale. The results of the inquiry were released with the death attributed mainly to Tuberculosis. Finally, what or who killed Matafale? The question remains unanswered for some and answered for others.
Matafale was a nephew to Malawi music maestro Robert Fumulani (founder of Likhubula River Dance Band). The Black Missionaries were Evison Matafale’s cousins.The Black Missionaries are: Musamude Fumulani(RIP), Anjilu Fumulani, Chizondi Fumulani and Peter Amidu. The Black Missionaries are Malawi's most successful Band in terms of sales and popularity. Their video "Mwana Wa Munthu" was voted as the Best Video in the 2008 Malawi Web Awards. Matafale was a cousin to Malawian renowned musician Anthony Makondetsa who also comes from Chileka, a small town in Southern Malawi. He was also a childhood friend to Esau Mwamwaya, the London based Malawian musician singing with the duo Radioclit. Blantyre reggae artists Sally Nyundo and San B of the Pelemende and producers Ralph Chigamba,Chuma Soko and Ruben Chongwe have also collaborated with Evison. Evison Matafale was Born in 1969 and grew up in Malawi and Zimbawe.He died on November 27th, 2001 in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Research and Interviews for this article were compiled and written for Mmalawi Blog
Thank you all for your votes! Our mailbox was filling with more than 150 mails every day. We received many praises for this initiative and we also thank all for participating in this exciting event. Next year we will make it even bigger. The votes have been tallied so please watch the Youtube video. VIDEO OF THE 2008 MALAWI AWARDS WINNERS:
The LIST: 2008 MALAWI WEB AWARDS WINNERS Malawian Web Entrepreneur of the Year Award Nominees Chimwemwe Ncozana for Radio Yako and Yako Web Solutions Dumisani Kapanga for MalawianMP3.com (WINNER) Qabaniso Malewezi for Abstrak Entertainment Limbani Kalilani (Tay Grin) for Phone Yanu (Pvt) Malawi Web Award for Best Online Broadcasting Media Nominees Capital FM Malawi Radio Yako Kwacha Fm (WINNER) Radio Maria Malawi Malawi Web Award in Best Online Social Interactive Media (Entertainment, Social or Political) Nominees Radio Yako Kwacha FM Nyasa Times Malawiana.net and MalawiSN (WINNER) Nyasanet Listserv Malawi Web Artist of the Year Nominees Tay Grin (WINNER) Lucius Banda Lawrence Mbenjere Joe Gwaladi Esau Mwamwaya Ntambo Chibambo Kaendera Achievement in Information Technology Award Nominees Patrick Kalamula (Kuseka.com) Likoma Tech Graphix (for Timve Mag) (WINNER) Chimwemwe Ncozana (Yako Web Solutions) Justin Malewezi Jnr (Malawian Weddings) SPECIAL MENTION: STARMEDIA MW Malawi Best News Website Nominees Nyasa Times (WINNER) Daily Times Nation mw Malawi Best Blog (All categories) Nominees The Mmalawi Group Anti-Bakili Muluzi Victor Kaonga William Kamkwamba (WINNER) Steve Sharra Bennet Kankuzi Malawi Best Video Nominees (all on Youtube) Lawrence Mbenjere Sewere, Joe Gwaladi Zakanika; Black Missionaries Mwana wa Munthu (WINNER) Music from Malawi, Africa, Ministryofhope.org
2008 Leaders of Tommorow Award Nominees Tajah Olson (Fashion, Modeling) (WINNER) Andrew Kwizombe (Music, Journalism) Chazz Matazz (Music) Pempho Kafoteka (Journalism, entrepreneurship) Malawi’s Personality of the Year Nominees Hazel Warren (WINNER) Tay Grin Code Sangala Kinnah Phiri Albert Khoza Award to Individual or Organization Promoting Malawian Culture Nominees J&D records Zoom 44 Malawiana.net Nanzikambe (WINNER) SPECIAL MENTION: www.malawithewarmheart.com Malawi’s Journalist of the year Nominees: Chimwemwe Ncozana (Radio Yako) Thom Chiumia (Nyasa Times) Sister Fire (Chantal Zoe Romarin) : Fm 101, M-Net Studio 53 (WINNER) Pilirani Semu-Banda: Writer Daily Times Malawi, Freelance Chaku Harawa: BBC (Focus on Africa) Geoffrey Kapusa: TV Malawi (Music Splash) Malawi Web Award for the Best Online Magazine. Nominees: Together Magazine Timve Magazine (WINNER) Fairlane Magazine Malawi Web Award for Best Website in Malawi. Nominees: Nyasa Times Radio Yako (WINNER) Government of Malawi Malawiana Net Daily Times
Thank you all for voting for the 2008 Malawi Web Awards Nominees. The voting time has been extended to Saturday(20th) at 22:00 Pm GMT. If you did not do so yet, please see the list of the nominees here and vote by sending an email to The Malawi Web Awards Committee at mmalawi@ live.com The List of the Winners will be posted on this blog on Monday 22nd of December, 2008 at 10:00 am GMT. http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/
For the first time in Malawi, Mmalawi Blog presents you the Nominees of the 2008 Malawi Web Awards. The Malawi Web Awards were conceived to acknowledge contributions that Malawians have made throughout the past year. The Malawi Web Awards mainly recognize individuals who helped in publicizing Malawi and raising awareness of issues affecting the population of the Warm Heart of Africa. This year the nominees raised awareness of Malawi in various areas (political, cultural, entertainment). Posted below is the list of names nominated this year. Please vote in each category and return the form not later than Friday December 19th 2008 at 22:00 PM GMT.
Watch a Video of the Nominees of the 2008 Malawi Web Awards
Ps: These nominations came after careful consideration of each nominee in their respective category by a panel made up of 8 persons (4 Journalists and 4 independent bloggers)
Malawian Web Entrepreneur of the Year Award Nominees
Chimwemwe Ncozana for Radio Yako & Yako Web
Dumisani Kapanga for MalawianMP3.com
Qabaniso Malewezi for Abstrak Entertainment
Limbani Kalilani for Phone Yanu (Pvt)
Malawi Best Video Nominees (all on Youtube)
Lawrence Mbenjere Sewere,
Joe Gwaladi Zakanika;
Black Missionaries Mwana wa Munthu
Music from Malawi, Africa, Ministryofhope.org
Malawi Web Award for Best Online Broadcasting Media Nominees
Capital FM Malawi
Radio Yako
Kwacha Fm
Radio Maria
Malawi Web Award in Best Online Social Interactive Media (Entertainment, Social or Political) Nominees
Radio Yako
Kwacha FM
Nyasa Times
Malawiana.net and MalawiSN.Com
Nyasanet
Malawi Web Artist of the Year Nominees
Tay Grin
Lucius Banda
L. Mbenjere
Joe Gwaladi
Esau Mwamwaya
Ntambo Chibambo
Achievement in Information Technology Award Nominees
Patrick Kalamula (Kuseka.com)
Likoma Tech Graphix (Timve Mag)
Chimwemwe Ncozana (Yako Web Solutions)
Justin Malewezi Jnr (Malawian Weddings)
Malawi Web Award for the Best Online Magazine. Nominees:
Together Magazine
Timve Magazine
Fairlane Magazine
Malawi Best News Website Nominees
Nyasa Times
Daily Times
Nation mw
Award to Individual or Organization Promoting Malawian Culture Nominees
Esau Mwamwaya is a Malawian musician who sings traditional music and a melange of pop and reggae. Esau Mwamwaya was born in Mzuzu (Northern Malawi) but was raised in the Malawian capital, Lilongwe. While growing up he learned to play several musical instruments with different "garage bands." One of his close friends was the Malawian reggae legend; Evison Matafale (Who created the Black Missionaries, the famous group before his death in 2001) When he moved to London, England (in 99), Mwamwaya was not preoccupied with music until by coincidence he met the duo band and djs known as Radioclit (The swede Johan Karlberg and Etienne Tron, the French). From then, the trio composed songs that are acclaimed by many critics.
They have finished a project entitled "The Very Best" which is a mixtape. It contains Esau's Mwamwaya's compositions with the musical arrangements of the Radioclit duo. Some of the songs included are Tengazako, Boyz(with Mia and Akon) and Cape Code's Kwasakwasa, Kamphopho, Wena (In Zulu and Xhosa and Chichewa), Get it up (feat Mia), Funa Funa and others. Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit mainly sing in Chichewa and Tumbuka. DOWNLOAD FOR FREE THE WHOLE ALBUM HERE. (Download unzip, enjoy)
World Aids day is on December the 1st. We therefore take this week to reflect upon how AIDS has affected Malawians 1). Today in Malawi HIV/AIDS patients are raping the handicapped believing that they'll be cured by doing that. This is due to illiteracy. 2). More than 70% of hospital beds are used by AIDS/HIV patients. ABSTINENCE IS THE ONLY CURE
Listen to Malawian SOngs about AIDS (Cick post for the next song)
The following video of Madonna is according to me disgusting. WATCH
Madonna the pop star wants to build a school for girls in Malawi. She is asking YOU to give some of your money for that cause. I cannot give any penny because I went to one of her concert few weeks ago and I paid about $100 (50 Pounds) with about other 60,000 people.
Why cant she take the money from the concert and build the school herself? Oprah Winfrey did not ask any penny from people and she still built a school in South Africa. We all have bills to pay at the end of the month, so if she wants to be adored, she should NOT ask money from us.
Malia is a Malawian artist who moved to London with her parents when she was 14 years old. In her 20s she became interested in alternative styles of music. She believes that her idol is the French singer Johnny Halliday. Malia mainly sings Jazz, Nu-Jazz and Soul. She is currently signed to the BMG/SONY label. The 30 year old Malia mainly sings in English.
Andrew Albert Kwizombe, called Dj Drew by his fans, is a Malawian artist from Lilongwe. He just released his debut album: "The Journey" It is an album acclaimed by many critics as one that is changing the course of Malawian contemporary music. In his own words:"Music is what I live for, it is my food, my strength, my water and most of all my best friend" Drew's album which is a mix of house and techno and some RnB contains songs like Malawi, Am Sorry, Mvundula madzi and African Prayer. To listen to his songs click here
Please Support Drew's music by buying it! Dj Drew formerly worked for Malawi's Power 101 Fm alongside DJ C.O.D.E and Dj Jean Chalungama. Drew has also collaborated with other artists like Tay Grin and Sally Nyundo.
Kimba Mutanda is a Malawian musician and composer. He was part of the famous Malawian group, Real Elements with Stix Kalilani and Q Malewezi. According to himself KIMBA means “Knowing I’m Born Able” Among other influences, Kimba recognises Danny (his brother) who had passion for music. On his profile, Kimba Mutanda makes a very interesting point: “Despite spending most of his life on the Afirecan continent it is difficult to decipher wether he is Malawian, Zambian, Kenyan, Danish, Brazilian, South African or British?” Kimba Mutanda has collaborated on several tracks with South African music diva Kheti likeWhy don't you(which is on his Myspace Profile). Kimba Mutanda sings about different issues affecting Malawi. This is especially demonstrated in the song Dearest Child (sung with Peter Mawanga, produced by Q), a song about a mother (Malawi) calling her children to go back to her. Kimba has also collaborated with Subsource, a UK punk rock band, and other Malawian artists like Dominant 1. Among other works, Kimba has worked with different charity organisations to raise money to help Malawian children. He has also been an organiser of the renowned yearly Malawi Lake of Stars Festival.
Watch a Video of KIMBA Mutanda with Real Elements (These Elements)
Joe Gwaladi is a musician who was born in Malawi. Since his childhood, he liked playing handmade musical instruments. Joe Gwaladi is famous for songs like Ndianafa Bulu, Nkhope Ya Chilembwe, and Zakanika. On an interview with TV Malawi’s Wellington Kuntaja on Sweeney Chimkango’s produced Face to Face, Gwaladi admits having formeda an accompanying band called "Kupata Kwa Ana". Gwaladi's talent has been recognized by many because of his consistent style of music that is very traditional and very streets-singer-like. He has also been labeled controversial due to his songs tackling issues considered taboo in Malawian culture. For example in Ndinafa Bulu, Gwaladi wonders why the authorities arrest women who abbandon their babies after birth while they are not bothered by someone who throws a condom after sex, because according to him it comes up to the same thing in the end; the loss of life. Joe Gwaladi has achieved great internet success from videos posted on Youtube which features him with dancers both old and young, dancing without any reservations.
Though Joe Gwaladi’s videos have been described by some as unprofessional and even sometimes encouraging what the song discourages, the message is always very powerful. Gwaladi talks about AIDS, poverty and many other social issues affecting Malawians. Joe Gwaladi has collaborated with the following musicians on many levels(Producion,Concerts,Promotion): Evence Meleka, Joseph 'Dimingu' Tembo, Saul Chembezi, Thomas Chibade (Mr A.E.I.O.U), and Maliseni aka Annie Matumbi.
Joseph Nkasa is an author, publisher musician from Malawi who sings Malawian reggae and traditional music. He is called PHUNGU which could be translated as the spokesman for the poor. Nkasa recorded 3 albums which almost went unknown to the Malawian public. The Fourth album, Wayenda Wapenga was almost an overnight success for Nkasa who became an overnight celebrity. His success was mainly due the content of his songs. Nkasa has the reputation of being an outright self proclaimed spokesman for the Malawian poor men and women. He has also sung about the AIDS pandemic. Malawi is a very poor country and Nkasa’s songs give hope and reassures others that one day they will be better of (Like in his well known songs, ZosayinaSayina and Mamiliyoneya). Wayenda Wapenga was well received and it broke records of sales of other well established musicians like Lucius Banda and Billy Kaunda. The fifth album Tigwirane Manja(Let us be United) is known by many as his second album because of the success he got from Wayenda Wapenga. Tigwirane Manja broke new records in Malawian by selling 210,00o copies within four months of its release. The Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) gave him a check of 1,000,000 Kwacha (Equivalent to 10,000 USD at the time for the musical rights. Apart from singing about social issues, Joseph Nkasa has expressed his political views in songs like Nkhope, a song about the importance of choosing competent men and women to lead the country. He once said that he would not be involved in politics, but in his latest album he clearly sided with the current Malawian president and in his famous song, Mose Wa Lero, Nkasa parallels the current President, Bingu Wa Mutharika with the Biblical Moses, in terms of his achievements as a leader. Many Malawian Bloggers condemned the comparison and argued that it has a negative on the minds of many Malawians who mainly rely on radio to get information. The song, according to them, is shoved on the listener’s throat who in turn can simply swallow Nkasa’s idea and point of view. Others categorised the song under propaganda. Joseph Nkasa is an icon on the Malawian music scene. He is usually accompanied on stage by his Zosayina band. He has sung with Evans Milika,Saul Chembezi and Joseph Alfazema. He once said that fellow musician Thomas Chibade is imitating his way of singing.
Joseph Nkasa's Discography Album 1 Album 2 Album 3 Wayenda Wapenga (2002) Tigrirane Manja (2004) Malawi (2007)
Watch Ungandiuze chiani (This is an attack on fellow musicians)
Ndifedi Amalawi (A song praising Malawi, tracing Malawian history and praising Kamuzu Banda and his government
Wisdom Chitedze is a renowned musician from Malawi. He is respected for his work on songs like Odala Mayi,Misonzi and Tipewe. Wisdom Chitedze sings African hip hop and rnb in English, Chichewa and Tumbuka. The single from his first album, Tipewe was played almost daily on the local TV Malawi immediately after its release. The song was popular due to the potent message hidden in the lyrics. Wisdom raps about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and begs his listeners to abstain (abstain is translated as Tipewe in the local Chichewa). The song features Stix, Jerome Kalilani from Real Elements (Tay Grin's cousin) whom in the video acts as a victim of AIDS who advises his friends to abstain and stay faithful to their partners. In the ending lines, Wisdom tells his friends that he has spoken, and now the ball is in their camp; it is for them to act upon the message. Chitedze's sophomore album also enjoyed massive airplay with songs like Misonzi (tears) and Odala Mayiwa an ode to his mother and all the mothers who have gone through many things to raise a wise son. Wisdom teamed up again with Stix in Zimatere which is probably one of Wisdom's best composition in terms of lyrics and musical arrangements. Noteworthy is also Father me, a song featuring Erasto. Wisdom Chitedze is well known and respected in Malawian and African hip hop circles. He is a friend of fellow Malawians Shadre Sangala of Kapirintiya, Prolifik, Bleek, ReaZon Y, Set Apart, The Gospel, Chatrock, and Insight. Wisdom has worked with Lilongwe hip hop guru Dominant One. Other Works: Wisdom Chitedze has done a very funny clip on youtube called Chichewa Chamakono mime. It is also noteworthy that not all of Chitedze's songs have a serious undertone like Tipewe and Tipewe. He sometimes demonstrates his comedic genius just like he did with with the youtube clip. This is clearly demonstrated in songs like Mahopu kuputsita and Oga. Watch the Video of Tipewe by Wisdom Chitedze Featuring Stix
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Peter Pine was born Peter Henderson Mawanga in Malawi on the 14th of February 1978.. He started his singing career at a tender age with another famous musician to be Lawrence Mbenjere. Mawanga then released in the early 2000s a song called (They live in Blantyre) which describes the hard reality of the city.Amakhala Ku Blantyre Amakhala ku Blantyre was released as single and it enjoyed massive air play on local radio stations and the Nation’s TV station, TVM. The album appropriately entitled City Life, contained a remix to the song. The album is song in Chichewa and English over a mix of African RnB, Soul and Jazzy sounds.
Peter Mawanga has performed several times at Harry’s Bar in Old Town, Lilongwe and together his Amaravi Band, he performed at the Lake of Stars festival in 2005. He also performed at the Ethel Mutharika Foundation Festival held in September 2007. Mawanga is not only a musician but also a music producer, and a music teacher. He has organised children aid projects with Justin Malewezi (from Real Elements) he has founded The Malawian Child, an organization aiming to provide education, food and love to orphaned children.
Peter Mawanga’s Discography: City Life (2003) (Produced by Abtrak Beatz Entertainment) Vingo’ma na Visekese (In collaboration with SASO or Salima Aids Support Organisation) Zanga zo Mama (2008)(Produced by Abtrak Beatz Entertainment)
with additional information by Abstrak Beatz Entertainment (Picture by), Nyumba Ya Thanzi To listen to samples from Zanga Zo Mama (2008) click here.
World Aids day is on December the 1st. We therefore take this week to reflect upon how AIDS has affected Malawians
