Malawi tour excites Ray Phiri

South African jazz legend Ray Phiri is excited to perform in Malawi the home country of his adoptive father who played a big role in his music career.

In addition to performing at a fundraiser by iCare and Coopi tomorrow at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, Phiri will also record a song with Lawi, the local musician he is set to share the stage during tomorrow’s show.

“I feel excited to be in the land of my adoptive father. A region that has its unique culture and a reputation for hospitality and craftsmanship. I hope to share my music with the Malawian people, and to be inspired by the experience. I also hope we will raise sufficient funds to make a difference in the lives that iCare and Coopi is touching.

“I am coming out with a small band of great musicians. Andile Yenana is a phenomenal piano player and arranger. He is an experienced musician who has toured internationally and lectures at the Esayidi College in Kwa-Zulu Natal in voice training and improvisation on piano. Bethuel Mbonani is an energetic young drummer and bright spirit who has played with some of South Africa’s freshest talent, including the chart topping Mafikizolo,” said Phiri in an interview.

His life as an activist spurred him to do a fundraising show in Malawi.

“Charity begins at home. I have been an activist for most of my life, from being an anti-apartheid activist to being an advocate for education, culture and the arts. I am heavily involved in many charitable ventures in South Africa. In my mind it is not a case of doing one or the other. I will do what I can to help Malawi. It happens to be the birthplace of my adoptive father, so I do this in his name. However, I am an African. I feel I have a duty to help in any African country where I can be of assistance,” he stated.

As part of his contribution to a noble cause, Phiri waived his fee to assist with what he termed as “worthy cause” impacting on many Malawians.

“There are sponsors assisting the process by managing costs, transportation, among others. I believe I am benefitting in a spiritual sense in that by helping raise funds for hospitals in Malawi, in a small way, I can help people to access treatment, care and in some cases, hopefully recovery. I also aim to keep coming back to Malawi on a commercial basis to entertain and boost the prospects of local artists and the local music industry.

“Like all professional musicians, I have a set rate, which serves to ensure that my talented crew; who also have families are fairly paid, and that we put on a good production. I work with promoters and producers to bring memorable shows to the people. We want our shows to be reasonably priced and deliver on value at the same time. Sometimes, for a great cause like this, we forego our own earnings to encourage people to donate,” he explained.

The Stimela legend said his waiver of fees is his response to address some of the alarming health issues facing Malawi.

“I believe that was as Africans should be doing what we can to deal with curable illness such as malnutrition as well as the currently incurable HIV and Aids. The possibility that, if current trends continue, so many of the next generation in Africa could be dead, parentless, or, if they survive, lack access to basic food and medication, is a serious wake-up call to me as a parent. We cannot rely on aid when we can take responsibility for our actions and share our knowledge and health practices with our fellow Africans.

Commenting on the song he is set to record with Lawi, the legend could not hide his excitement to go into the studios with a Malawian artist.

Said Ray: “I am an artist, I love creating new music and working with fresh, serious talent from any countries I visit. I’m excited to work with Lawi and all I can say now is let’s see what magic we can make. That song has not been born yet. I am looking forward to meeting and collaborating with Lawi. From the reports I have received, he is a talented artist. Watch this space for more details as we are to begin working when I get to Malawi. I have not been so lucky to work with Malawian artists. Fortunately, Lawi is the first and I hope to work with many others.”

Phiri is expected to arrive today.