Adrian Kwelepeta Launches ‘Live or Die Story’ album in Lilongwe
The Sunbird Search for a star winner for 2014, Adrian Kwelepeta, on Friday 30 June 2017b launched his highly anticipated third album ‘Live or Die Story’ at Grittah’s Camp in Lilongwe.
Inspired by his mother, Adrian describes ‘Live or Die Story’ as emotional, dark and real.
“I grew up with a single mother who has been a rock and inspiration for my career. She was the one who bought my first guitar at 9 years old. It was one of those four string banjos that you can find in the market.
“But since I first felt the buzz of the strings, they’ve never stopped vibrating. I am an artist so am constantly working on my sound and writing new and better songs. Above all else this album will take you on a musical journey like no other, to leave you laughing, crying and spiritually energised,” Adrian explained.
‘Live or Die Story’ has been released under a UK label Spare Dog Records, who have their studio in Nkhata Bay. It is run by Mattias Stålnacke, and works on a profit share basis, with capital provided by the label.
Mattias Stålnacke has recorded albums for several Malawian artists including Danny Kalima, Street Rat and Gasper Nali.
Mattias has a great understanding of all contemporary styles making him the perfect fit for Adrian’s album. The beautiful studio overlooks Lake Malawi and is full of the kind of peace one needs to get deep into the music and find all those small but important inspirations.
For an artist like Adrian, who plays a blend of R n B, Rock and Hip-Hop, finding a suitable producer wasn’t easy.
Adrian is a visionary musician who sees every element of his music before his eyes. He wasn’t satisfied with his first album, as he didn’t get creatively with the producer, and had budgetary constraints. This time though he is more than pleased and considers the album a true reflection of his music.
The launch took place at the recently re-awoken Grittah’s’ Camp in CCDC. Once the number one entertainment destination in Lilongwe, Grittah’s Camp was laying unused for the past ten years, until it was reopened in September 2016, and has been hosting one or more live music events weekly since then.
The new Grittah’s is far from a bottlestore – it’s a music and art space where street art and paintings cover the walls. A current rebranding, so people should think of it as a ‘Music & Arts Venue’ rather than a bar, means it’ll be looking even more gorgeous for the launch.
Owners of Grittah’s are both long time fans of Adrian and are thrilled to be hosting the event there.
“I love his sound, his guitar playing, his honesty and his bravery,” said Neil Nayar.
He added, “To dress the way he does, talk the way he does and express himself the way he does takes courage. He sends a powerful message to young Malawians to be themselves. He’s a great role model in this day and age where finding your own voice amidst so many social and parental pressures is a real challenge. And, to me, he’s the best talent I’ve ever seen in the country, and one of the best in the world.”
Another big fan of Adrian is Q Malewezi of Qoncept Creative provided sound for the event.
Qoncept Creative have hosted the most professional shows in Malawi over the last years including Oliver Mtukudzi, Erik Paliani, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and man-of-the-moment Daliso Chaponda.
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