Chill

Saint’s turning point

In mid-2017 there was a song, Delilah, which shook local radio airwaves, television stations, clubs and other entertainment joints.

 The song, done by Saint, real name Yamikani Chikwawe, was a composition which was put together with tight discipline.

The artist left nothing hanging and his delivery was straight from the heart.

Production of Delilah’s video spiced the project.

It was a fitting response to a young musician who had been struggling to break into the music circle after his 2015 debut album Acoustic Hearts failed to make meaningful impact on the market. 

This was a moment the world stopped and listened as to what the Blantyre-based artist had to offer.

Delilah was a second single after Akazi Anga, from his yet-to-be released second album titled Love and Heart whose work is almost done, according to Saint.

Nevertheless, the success of his singles attracted the attention of Zembani Music Company mogul Lucius Banda who took him on board and toured with him for months.  

Now the artist has taken steps to get his music career a few notches up by forming Realest Vibes Band which will be backing him during his live performances.

The band comprises two of his close music friends, well-known artists Janta famous for

songs such as Divorce and Ndapilira and Macelba famous for hits such as Alamu Anu and Single.

Saint says the move is aimed at dispelling assertions that urban musicians are not in the trade for serious business but just fame.

“We are in a country which feels performing live with the aid of a CD [compact discs] is not appealing. And when one does that, especially us urban artists, we are labelled as lacking seriousness. We have laid low on that aspect, so maybe it is time we took steps to shield ourselves,” he says. 

The formation of his band has also coincided with what he calls a small shift in his music style to a more acoustic touch.

In an interview with Chill, the artist says that is part of the process for creating a new beat.

“Apart from being a fan of acoustic music, I want to give people a different vibe to the dancehall and Afro music that I am known for. And I thought the acoustic fusion is the right approach for me,” says Saint.

Forming a band is one thing but running it and sustaining it is another. How does he intend to swim where many others before him have drowned?

“Everything about music in Malawi is never easy. But we keep sacrificing all we have because of the passion we have for music. With the right support I am sure I will overcome this hurdle,” says the 25-year-old. 

As a way of introducing his band, Saint will embark on what he is calling Eya Zuyenda Tour, which, apart from involving Macelba and Janta, will involve other urban music artists such as Zafrey, Stedo Legend, MYJ, Bruno, P-Force, Ken R and Khusha Kei.

The tour will start on April 21 at Ngoms Park in Liwonde and on May 4, the group will be joined by Stitch Fray, Andy Musiq, Jay Jay Cee, Black Nina, Blaze, Sir Patricks, Hilco and Smacks for an Eya Zuyenda Concert at 24/7 Entertainment Centre in Blantyre.  

On his part, Macelba says being supported by a live band will give them a new spring in their act. He further says the tour will give them a chance to perform before some of their fans whom they have never performed for before.

“We are talking of three hit-makers coming together and that block should certainly excite all urban music lovers. I know our fans are anticipating this, so we will try to give it our all,” he says.n

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