Malawian musician hitting it big in South Africa

Most simply go there to make money at shops or gas stations or mines. In fact, that is what most have been doing – since time immemorial. But for, Charles Katapila – stage name D7EN –, there has been more to his stay in South Africa than just making money for himself and the extended family back home.

And; cementing with experiences of a pauper background, Katapila weaves his art to reflect the day-to-day happenings in societies.

“My songs have a varied range of themes,” he explains from his South Africa’s home, “ranging from love through hope to the need of diligence in life.”

In fact, according to him, “life never rewards those who simply sit idle and complain. We need to stand up and do something.”

Unlike what is usually the case with most artists – to be inspired by what surrounds them, Katapila says his music is not in any way triggered by his escapades at Grimmplatten Pvt. Co. Ltd. in Cape Town where he works as a sales manager.

“All my music has a strong influence from Alelluya Band of Balaka where I was born and grew up. The Banda brothers of Lucius and Paul plus Charles Nsaku have impacted greatly on my music. They let me get more and more impassioned with music. I got closer to music,” he recalls.

Perhaps, the influence is what inspired the release of his single Moyenda (2006) and his twelve-packed debut album New Day (2014).

Such songs as Banja ndi Loto, Khumbo Langa and many others became town ditties for most who had some liking for ‘Balaka music’ and were repeatedly played on MBC Radio.

And; now, Katapila says he has just finished putting together another album, The Rising Sun, to be launched on June 5 in South Africa this year.

Such songs in the album as Nkalimbiche, Utandipatsa Mwayi and Ubwelele Panyumba have been well received on most radios both here at home and in South Africa.

“I’m bringing Joseph Nkasa and Moses Makawa and other many South African artists to curtain raise my album launch. All is being worked out for a successful launch,” he says looking ahead.

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