Local is lekker

After celebrating his solo career with his debut album Solo/The Album, musician Code Sangala aka CO is back in studio to record his second album whose strength is built on local content.

CO, who hit the ground running as part of the sibling duo Kapirintiya, established himself as a solo artist with hits such as Kumadziore and Tithana derived from his debut album.

CO said this time around, he is focusing on local music to give a distinctive Malawian identity.

Kumadziore, which features Fikisa and Marko Sadik, is built on a traditional groove that capitalises on a heavy traditional drumbeat.

“Solo/The Album was more like an introduction as a solo artist. But now, I am taking a different direction because of the feedback which I have received from my fans. I think my fans have embraced my solo career pretty well because of the fact that I have gone local,” said CO.

CO broke into the limelight under the music duo of Kaphirintiya of Kwathu Ku Ndirande fame, which he starred alongside his bother Shadre.

CO, a former FM 101 DJ and two-time Big Brother Africa housemate, described his journey under Kaphirintiya as having set his musical foundation.

“As Kaphirintiya, I and Shadre are brothers who have producing great music and our journey was sweet. But now I respect him as an artist as well as the direction I have taken,” said CO.

In terms of his direction in his new album, CO is writing most of his music in Chichewa based on the feedback his first album has received.

“I am really trying to run away from English songs because along the way, when I was on tour of my first album, my fans advised me that I do better in Chichewa, which is quite interesting. So, this is in line with my vision and new direction I am taking. I feel I can showcase my talent better when I do it in my native language,” said CO.

He said he is also interested in presenting his music material in Yao, Tumbuka, Tonga, Lhomwe, among other languages to represent his style better.

CO added that he is drawing his music inspiration from traditional music and Malawi’s different cultures.

“Kumadziore had a little bit of tchopa. And this time around I want to tap more from our rich cultural heritage such as chimtali, vimbuza, beni, ingoma, mganda and many others traditional forms and dances.

“I believe if we can capitalise on these already existing cultural heritage we can represent ourselves better out there,” said CO.

He said Malawi is rich in traditional content which artists can draw music inspiration from; hence, he urges artists to utilise Malawi’s cultural heritage.

“Enough of Western material; it is high time we felt proud and started to utilise our own material.

“The question which Malawians should always ask ourselves is: why is it that tourists are interested in Malawi’s cultural heritage? It’s because it is unique. And it begins with us to be patriotic and treasure our cultural heritage,” said CO.

His yet-to-be titled album is being recorded live by Amos Mlolowah at Active A Studios in Ndirande. n