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23 years later

 

Edgar ndi Davis, one of the country’s popular music duos, is well-known for their witty punchlines and acoustic sounds.

But the duo, comprising Edgar Kachere and Davis Njobvu, say there is more to the thriving history of their artistic journey, which has now 23 years.

Edgar ndi Davis duo was born in 1998, and has dropped four albums since—Wazelezeka (2000), Musamabwele Kumudzi (2006), Zubwela Mochedwa (2009) and 2012’s masterpiece Energy Saver (Ntchito Zina). Currently, the duo is working on fifth album.

The sassy Njinga Yanga was the duo’s debut song.

Edgar (L) ndi Davis are working on their fifth album
Edgar (L) ndi Davis are working on their fifth album

The Malawi music scene is littered with scores of groups that started with a lot of promise only to end up in the rubble. Issues to do with financial mismanagement and personal differences have been reported as causative agents of such disagreements and breakups.

But Edgar ndi Davis now boast of over 23 years of making music.

Edgar explains the bond that keeps them together: “It is all about brotherly love, mutual respect and appreciating each other’s talent that has taken us this far.”

Musically, Edgar ndi Davis duo has clocked 17 years, while their personal relationship spans from their childhood days at Kamuzu Academy (KA) when Davis used to be Edgar’s prefect.

On his part, Davis describes Edgar as a sharp young man who was passionate about music and collaborative work.

Said Davis: “Edgar was such a forthcoming young man who was willing to learn and initiate things. And I saw potential and enthusiasm in him.”

Together, while at KA, they pair used to perform in a band called Bad Company in which Edgar used to play the keyboard and Davis was a guitarist.

Davis was born in 1976 and Edgar in 1978. However, the two-year difference in their ages applies to their three-year education difference as well. By the time Davis was Edgar’s prefect at KA, he was in Form Four and Edgar in Form One. This gap also persisted in their tertiary years at Chancellor College (Chanco) where Davis was in third year when Edgar was in first year.

Challenges are inevitable in every relationship including music but Edgar ndi Davis do not let them to spoil their long-standing bond.

Davis said: “The most important thing is that we are always there for each other and this helps us to rise above challenges.”

When Edgar went overseas to pursue studies between 2012 and 2013, Davis carried on the mission of the group. The two musicians do not only connect artistically because they have several attributes in common. They are both lawyers by profession. Edgar has its own law firm called Whyte and Cross whereas Davis works for Savjan and Company.

Edgar ndi Davis are both Ngonis and ardent fans of local music, little wonder the duo is into local biased acoustic music.

Edgar said: “Local is lekker. It defines our identity as Edgar ndi Davis and above all as proud Malawians. We are Malawians so we always need that to be reflected in our art. And the advice to our fellow artists is that we should do more local music.”

However, Edgar ndi Davis do not have everything is common for their other hobbies differ. Edgar is a fan of Chelsea and Davis supports Manchester United (Man U). Another thing which keeps a distance between Edgar ndi Davis is their residential areas. Davis stays in Blantyre, whereas Edgar is a resident of Lilongwe. But how do they transact their music business?

Edgar said: “We always talk music when we are together and meet often to discuss new developments such as new songs and shows.”

Edgar ndi Davis describe their 23 year journey as exciting and feel they still have something to give Malawians. n

 

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