Masauko Chipembere back in Malawi to record solo album

US born Malawian musician and poet Masauko Chipembere is in the country to record his first solo album titled “Highway” with a group of young musicians in Lilongwe.

Masauko Chipembere  back in Malawi
Masauko Chipembere back in Malawi

According to the artist, the album has been inspired by the road which was named after his father, Malawian nationalist Henry Masauko Blasius Chipembere Highway.

“As a poet, when I see the Highway, I see of taking the higher route of higher consciousness. So, this is about me beginning to understand that music and activism together is the higher route that I can move the Chipembere agenda forward. For me, it’s time for me to take the highway; it’s time for me to take music to another level. And that means it has to be part of the search of my identity in Malawi.

“Right now, the issue has been the question of what is my place within this whole Chipembere struggle for liberation of Malawi. And as it stands, with my mother getting older; she has been doing work in Mangochi, setting up schools and working with women and children, it is now time for me to figure out a way to take what I do, which is music and merge it with activism,” Chipembere told local press earlier this week.

Quizzed on which artists he is working with on the project, Chipembere responded: “The primary musician is Ernest Ikwanga who is an amazing guitarist and was a perfect fit. Ernest has a broad mind for music and we continue to share ideas. And then there is Sam Mkandawire, who everybody knows won the Airtel Trace Music Star Contest.

He also disclosed that he was working with Chambota Chirwa and 22 year old Luciano.

Chipembere is one part of South Africa based Award winning soul group Blk Sonshine which has performed across the globe.

The group’s self titled debut “Blk Sonshine” was recorded at House of Blues, Encino California during a US tour that saw them performing at the Tribute to Archbishop Tutu Concert in LA alongside Stevie Wonder, Joan Baez and Hugh Masekela.

The band also recorded two songs with Wu-Tang’s RZA on Tekitha’s album.

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Nalieti
Nalieti
7 years ago

Impressive!

rafik
rafik
7 years ago

We need the remains of your father to come and be reburied here in Malindi our government do not honour our heroes here.Very shame Malawi governments

Winston Msowoya
Winston Msowoya
7 years ago

Well come back home Chip.You might not having seen me in Zomba or Dar es salaam,Tanzania because by then you were not born only your sister Nyago and a brother Dangalira were there.As one patriot has already said,I repeat the same,do away with Music,cut those dreadlocks and forcefully throw yourself into foot steps of your Dad who had played a pivotal role not only for Nyasaland,but also the whole of then colonized Africa our fatherland.I came to know your late Dad Chip during the famous Cabinet crisis of Sept 9th,1964,when with few other Students from Zomba Govt.Secondary School which was… Read more »

Respect MC
Respect MC
7 years ago

# 1, it’s only in Malawi that artists earn much less than active citizens. Elsewhere, it’s art that is much appreciated and makes you money. Chipembere’s focus is not Malawi, I doubt if he can speak any Chichewa. Kuganiza mombwambwana ngati ukuku sikungatukule dziko. Why should he cut dreadlocks? Our society has embraced ladies in miniskirts and trousers, so why should there be a problem with men keeping braided hair, dyed hair, tattoos and earrings? Double standards right? If Dr. Banda had kept the likes of Masauko, very bright young minds, we could have prospered. They gave Kamuzu too much… Read more »

rodgers
7 years ago

We still need the works of your father here at Malindi pa chiwaya Mangochi can you take the legancy of your Father plz think of it Son Gud lucky

Mpwenkhi
Mpwenkhi
7 years ago

Welcome back. You look like a washout though. Hehehehehe. Just kidding. Can’t wait for the album….

Zidura Ntengo Undigwere
Zidura Ntengo Undigwere
7 years ago

Stick to your passion, young “Chip” as your father was affectionately known by his generation. If music satisfies you in life, so good. Do not be enticed to Malawi politics. It’s a grinding mill with few psychological rewards because of unprecedented personal “jelasi” – that word is even in the national anthem! There is a reason for that. You can smile, think and sing about your dad as you drive down the “highway” named after him. But when you get out of your car, don’t announce to just anybody that you are young “Chip” – you will be swarmed by… Read more »

Bernard
7 years ago

Welcome back home Masauso.We love you

Elson B
Elson B
7 years ago

Kodi paja “solo album” ndichani?

njonjonjo
njonjonjo
7 years ago

Your father was a great statesman. A man who was fearless and loved Malawi with a great passion. Why can you cut those dreadlocks and stand as an MP in Mangochi to advance the values and legacy that your father stood for? Your mother was a good politician but she is now old. Music wont take you anywhere young man. That’s my advice

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