Chinga’s unreleased album under control—producer
Executive producer of Alimoso Studios in Chilobwe Township, Blantyre, Khathwa Aligiza, has assured the family of the late Grace Chinga and the public of maximum security of her upcoming album.
Chinga died before releasing her new album, which is promising, if the sampled songs are anything to go by.
Her death fueled demand for the new music. But her producer told The Nation that her album has been reserved from the public for copyright purposes.
“Soon after Chinga’s death, there was a huge demand of her new songs. But I refused to release them because there are copyright issues that we are trying to protect,” said Aligiza.
Only Ndzaulula, a single which was recorded by Chinga’s son Steve Spesho and Ndulu remix were released for public consumption.
However, Aligiza defended the release of Ndulu remix saying it was a tribute which was done by several artists.
“Of course, Nduluis packed in Chinga’s unreleased album but this is a remix which was done by several gospel musicians in her honour,” he said.
Approximately, 30 gospel musicians worked on the Ndulu remix on Thursday and Friday last week, and the song was officially performed at Chinga’s funeral service at Robin’s Park in Blantyre.
Ndulu comprises voices of backing artists such as Allan Jogi, Prince Yasintha Jenala, Chimwemwe Binauli of Kamuzu Barracks Gospel Singers, Thoko Kumbikano, Brenda Kadammanja, Eliza Mponya, Gloria Manong’a and Emma Namalima.
The song also features Enersia Chitheka, Ethel Kamwendo – Banda, Dennis Kalimbe of the Ndirande Anglican Voices, Thoko Suya, Thocco Katimba, Evans Mereka, Favoured Martha, Limbani Simenti, Falesi Mang’anda, Khama Khwiliro and Amalitili. It was directed by Josephy Tembo, Aubrey Kusakara and Black Flame.
Asked on the way forward of Grace’s unreleased Aligiza said:
“I am yet to consult the family of the late Grace to map the way forward on the album. But I can assure you Chinga’s unreleased album is to be a hit with such promising songs as Ndulu, Aitana, Akuyang’anireni,AlimonsoWina, YakwanaNthawiYakwana and Sindingavomere.
Meanwhile, her daughter Miracle has already proved a right successor to Grace as she demonstrated her ability by singing her mother’s songs at Robin’s Park during the funeral.
Commenting on the fears of copyright infringement of Chinga’s music, Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) president Reverend ChimwemweMhango said they will work hand-in-hand with the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma).
“Basically, this will be an on-going procedure which strives to protect the works of artists from exploitation in the country,” he said.
