Limbani Simenti lives gospel music
Limbani Simenti is not a strange name in the local gospel fraternity. His renditions such Baba Tikuoneni are so popular that they at one time become household anthems.
Limbani, as a gospel artist became a symbol of the local genre in his early 20s.
Born on August 10 1981 at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), the artist is the last born in a family of six. He grew up in Chitawira and in Ndirande townships in Blantyre.
Limbani’s father comes from Nsabwe Village, Traditional Authority Matekenya in Thyolo whereas his mother is from Lusangani in Mzuzu.
The artist was raised in a God-fearing family and his Christian journey started at Sunday school at St Columba CCAP in Chitawira and Ndirande-Kachere CCAP, both in Blantyre and he has not looked back since.
Though ministering with gospel music has been his lifestyle, he lets his creativity lead the way. Being a conservative from his religious background, Limbani learnt something from his parents about being faithful to one’s partner and this is what drives him to be faithful and loving to his wife Mwai, and three-year daughter, Charisma.
“I used to say I will be a mechanical engineer or a teacher or I will be in agriculture, but as I grew up and even as I said these things, I knew that what made me happy most was being a gospel musician,” he said.
Although he has been living in Ndirande Township in Blantyre for the past years, his unassuming character makes it possible for him to maintain a low-profile as he goes about his business unnoticed by most of his neighbours.
His friend, and neighbour Christopher Manyamba says it took time for him to notice that Limbani was a gospel musician.
“What I knew was that he liked talking about football. The day I realised that he was a gospel musician was when Favoured Martha was launching her DVD and CD at Robin’s Park. Then I came to realise that it was Limbani who featured with Favoured Martha in Baba Musalore track.
“He also told me a lot of stories about his childhood. I loved to listen to his stories. There was something about listening to Limbani stories. He always entertained us with them,” said Manyamba. n
