First it is the drumbeats that catch one’s attention and then comes the familiar songs most students learned in primary school—the likes of Kamdothi and Kalilima.
Muhanya and Taddja of Dikamawoko Band will tomorrow remind Malawians of the words of the ancient wise when they play hit after hit from Nthano Zathu—a collection of Malawian folktales for a night of excitement—at Doogles in Blantyre.
The album showcases afro-jazz adaptations of folk songs, resplendent with nostalgic acoustic guitars, histrionic marimba rhythms and heart-wrenching lead guitars.
Among the songs, Kam’dothi tells the story of a girl made from clay; Kachitsa a tale of a girl who cursed a tree stump; Kalilima, the story of a boy who saved his older sister from her vanity and arrogance; and Bongororo, the story of two centipedes.
The track Gwenembe is already on the Top Twenty charts of the MBC Radio One while the rest are being played by various local stations.
The album is on the market and the duo has already shot a video for Kam’dothi.
“While young listeners love the stories on the album, the older folks, while appreciating the lyrics, also pay particular attention to the instruments and marvel at the arrangement. We worked very hard on this album. We wanted a quality product, which is what we have. It is quite flattering when people ask if it is Wambali’s CD, only to be surprised to see two young people on the cover. So, Malawians should not worry. Rich, Malawian music of international quality is still available and will continue to be produced as long as Dikamawoko is around,” assures Tawonga Taddja Nkhonjera, director of Dikamawoko Arts.
They will unleash drummer-cum-dancer Thenisan on Sunday.
