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Mtukudzi gives Agorosso lifetime recording offer

Agorosso is sitting over a grand chance to turn up his unsung jazz, thanks to the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi whom he first met at the shutdown French Cultural Centre in 2008.

What had started as their second stage encounter has left Agorosso (real name Lloyd Phaundi) with a coveted opening to record his long shelved debut album at Mtukudzi’s studios in Harare, Zimbabwe.

At 34, the self-taught Agorosso is arguably the finest afro-jazz artist in Malawi despite being an unsung hero for years. However, his prowess caught the attention of the Zimbabwean mbira maestro when they met at College of Medicine Sports Complex during last year’s Blantyre Arts Festival (BAF).

According to BAF impresario MacArthur Matukuta and Thom Chibambo, Mtukudzi promised to record the artist free of charge if only he finds his own transport and accommodation.

In an interview, Agorosso said he is still in touch with the Zimbabwean maestro, but will take the bus to Harare as soon as Mtukudzi calls.

 “I last communicated with Mtukudzi two weeks ago and I have gone full-throttle hunting for well-wishers to sponsor my ticket and accommodation. I will travel to Zimbabwe as soon as Mtukudzi tells me he is free. At the moment, he is busy with tours and scheduled shows,” said Agorosso.

 He feels Mtukudzi’s offer presents the most realistic chance to turn his dream into reality.

He recorded some of his songs at Tiakalulu Studios and flirted with Rhythm of Africa, but discontinued because he felt the outcome was not as natural and acoustic as he desires.

Such is the artist’s passion that in 2004, he walked all the way from Bangula in Nsanje to Blantyre in pursuit of his music prospects.

Last year, he represented BAF in Germany, alongside the legendary Giddes Chalamanda and award-winning Ben Mankhamba.

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