Airtel Trace music star finalist drops single
One of the finalists for season one of the Pan-African biggest talent search competition, Airtel Trace Music Star Malawi slate, Grey Longwe has released a single, making him the first official contestant of the mobile music clash to venture into music.
Longwe came second in the local stage of the competition which was won by Sam MjuraMkandawire who made it into the top six in the grand finale.
Not moved for missing the K14 million jackpot, Longwe has been working in the background, preparing for his music career which he launches with a single, Timango.
“I wrote this song for everybody, though the lyrics in the song reflect on my experience living and growing up in Malawi. It’s something people may or may not relate to, I still wanted it to cover every demographic, young and old, rural or urban, local and international.
“The aim of the songs is to become an anthem that uplifts people with a message that can be incorporated anywhere, from a celebratory gathering to a Sunday church sermon, just like Pharrell Williams gave the world Happy. The single will not only have the people dancing to the beat, but also rekindle a sense of pride in being Malawian,” said Longwe.
He defines himself in one word—artistic.
“I’m a Malawian R’n’B singer, songwriter and radio personality, among other things. The first time I ever tried my hand at a music competition was in 2009, which saw me getting nominated as one of the three finalists in Malawi in the My Video contest organised by MTV base and Airtel as part of the MTV Africa Music Awards.
“My most recent achievement was in last year’s inaugural Airtel Trace music star competition in February, where I made it into the Malawi final as one of the top four finalists coming in a close second to the winner, Sam MjuraMkandawire. Music is just one of the many forms of art that I use to express myself, writing what I feel based on my past, present and even the future,” explained Longwe.
He said Airtel Trace Music star was a launch pad in his quest to become a musician.
Said the 27-year-old: “Airtel Trace Music star was a real eye opener for me, showing me a world that had me having a lot of fun, but was also intimidating sometimes. It opened up a lot of doors for me, especially in media and the music industry.”
