Soldier thanks God, fans in new album

For years, Malawians have enjoyed good music from a wide range of musicians. They have come and gone, leaving a legacy that will be celebrated for ages.

But for 30 years, Malawians have enjoyed a certain kind of music from one artist, an epitome of what being a musician is.

Having started performing in the mid 1980s, Lucius Banda celebrates a pearl jubilee this year, celebrating three decades of pure art.

With almost all his pieces having had an impact on the Malawi music terrain, Soldier is realising his 18th album, Thank You.

It is a celebratory album as he prepares for a series of events to mark his 30th anniversary.

“I am saying thank you as, through this album, I am praising God for the talent and I am thanking my fans for supporting me throughout,” he said of the 14-track album.

Recorded in South Africa by Thato Mampe, the producer who has worked with Will K Banda at Sparrows Studios in Johannesburg, a sneak peek into the collection presents a variety with all the needs of music junkies of all age ranges.

About six songs were recorded in Malawi by producers Amos Mlolowa and Joseph Tembo, but mixed in South Africa.

It presents Soldier in an entirely broad new musical light. Once more, he makes an attempt at gospel music with a collection of several praise and worship songs.

For spiritual music lovers, there is Ndililabe, a recording of enduring significance. With a guitar and flute playing, the song oozes pure class.

I Will Praise You is a gospel rhumba song whose drums were played live by talented drummer Mlolowa.

It talks about the importance of people praising the creator for his ceaseless mercies.

Then there is Muimbileni Dyalilamba Dyangali Baluwa which talks about a fire that suddenly razes down a building. It is a traditional Yao number, usually sung to mark the end of Jando, a male initiation ceremony the tribe.

“It is a dedication to people of Balaka, Mangochi, Machinga and people of my constituency,” said the artist, beaming with a toothy smile while adding: “I am a proud Yao.”

But astoundingly, Lucius metamorphoses the song further, saying it is not just a cultural song, but an allegory. He uses the fire metaphor to talk about xenophobia, one of the sticky issues in South Africa as evidenced by the recent wave of attacks on foreigners in the rainbow nation.

“Lero kujoniatiukila…,” he sings. The song has a serious message and it was delivered rather skillfully in a voice and style that is synonymous with his music prowess as much as his legacy.

Sagona centres on how young people of today are full of covet, but heinous intentions. In pursuance of riches, they tend to follow wrong routes such as stealing.

Over the years, Lucius has created a niche in love songs. From the likes of Esther, Would We Start Again to Zakukhosi and Wandikwatiradi the veteran is back with mellow tunes.

Nothing beats the fact that two lovers plan a getaway to appreciate each other and prove their love. He chronicles that and all in You and Me.

Though sad, heartbreaks are part of the love game. Many would attest to having an unfaithful spouse who of all things, decides to cheat with someone close to the couple. Premised on these experiences, Lucius sings I Still Love You, a tune chanting how love at times hurts.

Most of the songs in the new album are bi-lingual as the artists switches from English to Chichewa, such that, he is so at home and relaxed in these two languages. “I wanted to give people a variety, my music is not just for a certain class or group of people,” he explains.

One song that promises to be an instant hit is Nthungululu. Written and recorded by award-winning artist Lawi, narrates the journey of of two people until their wedding day.

“It is in fact a dedication to George Njale and Thoko who get married on May 30 in Blantyre. This is their theme wedding song,” he stated.

Lucius needs no introduction on the political scene. Twice, he has been elected Balaka North MP. But as an artist, he has been a politician for a long time. His music has, for ages, had political messages.

“This one is going out to all politicians,” he sings as the intro of Ndalama Zathu Tikuzifuna.

Throughout the song, Lucius assumes the role of a common person who lives no stone unturned in questioning why Malawi keeps having leaders who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the ordinary people.

Although officially done with the recording, people will have to wait a little longer as the album will be released in June.

“I am trying so hard to have everybody who had a hand in this album, including the producer to come. It is also going to be one of the rare launches that will see all the songs on the album played,” he affirmed.

The artistry runs through the arrangements, the recording and mixing of the songs.

His silky voice and words are woven with the mastery that is rare.