Lucius launches Friday, Wambali on Saturday: Malawi music gurus

Two of Malawi’s finest music legends launch their respective albums a day apart this weekend.

After 30 years entertaining Malawians, Lucius Banda launches his 18th album Thank You at Robin’s Park in Blantyre on Friday night.

Having started performing in 1985, ‘Soldier’ as he is fondly called, celebrates three decades of pure and unstoppable art as well as entertainment with an album titled Thank You, dedication to his fans and God for the support over the years.

He is one of the few artists in Malawi who over the years have left an indelible legacy and he is the epitome of what music is.

The album, produced by South Africa’s Thato Mampe, has 14 songs. Three singles released so far have received a good response, according to the artist.

“The album brings in a different me. So far the single that I have released are doing very well. There are songs Ndililabe, a gospel but classical song for those who are down for spiritual while Sagona focuses on the youths’ penchant drive for high class stuff. And then there is collaboration with award winning artist Lawi called Nthungululu which is a wedding song,” he said.

The launch takes place on Friday July 24 at the Robin’s Park in Blantyre where the legend will share the stage with Nepman, Limbani Banda, Thoko Katimba, Black Missionaries and Lulu.

At Wakawaka in Lilongwe the following day, Soldier will be joined by the Soul Raiders, Skeffa Chimoto and Allan Ngumuya.

“Half of the tracks on the album are in fact gospel songs. Patrons will receive a free CD upon entrance,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wambali Mkandawire launches his latest album Calabrash Breath on Saturday at the Bingu International Conference Center (BICC) auditorium.

Calabrash Breath is Wambali’s the ninth album.

Wambali has, over the years, released timeless music that has earned him numerous awards and nominations including the Bingu Presidential Award in 2011, Kora Award Nomination for Best Southern African Artist in 2003, Mobo Award Nomination for Best African Artist in 2007 and the South African Music Award (Sama) for Best African Artiste – 2003.

“People should expect to experience the beginning of a new era of jazz in Malawi,” says Wambali.

Calabrash Breath is unique as it is pure jazz unlike his previous releases.

Wambali’s journey in music dates back to when he was eight years old while growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where he was born.

With influences from his grandmother and mother’s Tumbuka hymns and fables, his grandfather’s gramophone with played music contemporary Congolese music to his uncle who introduced him to South African jazz and music in general, his musical background is rich in diversity.

His first album Tidzamutamanda was released in 1989 and Liberty in 2011.

Backed up by a diverse rich band featuring a Congolese bassist, a Zambian lead guitarist, two Malawians on the keyboards and drums with himself an acoustic guitarist, the evening is set to be a night of beautiful music by talented musicians.

Tickets are available at Wilderness Safaris, Ulendo, Four Seasons Garden Shop, Crossroads Hotel Business Centre, Papaya, Cappuccino’s, Flavour’s, Golf Club, La Dolce Vita, AC Opticals.

Ticket holders will receive a free CD of the Calabrash Breath album.

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