Malawi’s hip hop landscape is dynamic such that when one leaves the scene, it becomes hard for them to reclaim their space. But there are always names that will be remembered and will always infiltrate the market regardless of the changes.
Among the many artists who have this power in their raps is Aimor who, despite relocating to Zimbabwe in search of greener pasture, never stopped making music.
The Malawian rapper and hit-maker, real name Chikondi Kangulu, is still creating waves with his hits.
The musician, who rocked the radio airwaves with his anthems China and K-shii and Bobo, assured the Malawian audience that despite the distance, his music is aimed at representing his country.
Aimor, has recently been signed by Zimbabwean label Bryce Nation on which he has released the 15 track mixtape Dead Central Legion and a video Kuvepha. The mixtape is due mid-July and was recorded and mastered by the musician at his studios 2Dope Records in Zimbabwe.
“It’s on a different point comparing to what I usually do. Since I relocated to Zimbabwe, my approach changed to suit my environment and get the message across. I’ve done more of hard English rap to build a solid platform for me here. It’s more like career re-launch. But the concepts are the same that concern our lives every day,” he told Chill in an interview.
He added: “This should be my first ever mixtape…it’s more like a resurrection of a fallen soldier. It carries singes that are already out like Kuvepha which talks about a positive mentality on self sufficiency and being productive.”
According to Aimor, Good for Nothing, which features local rapper Slessor, talks about people who tell you that you can never make it in life and encourages one to live to their aspirations and reach for their dreams.
Judge Me talks about people who analyse others yet they also have specs that need a check. The mixtape also has a couple of love beats and heavy hardcore beats for hip-hop heads.
Aimor noted that his association with Zimbabwean label Bryce Nation means that his music can reach a wider audience.
“This is a stepping stone to reaching more people and a more organised way of pushing my material. My fans will always be with me but as you know Malawi is a small country so there’s much to be done to push the music out there and conquer the masses.
“As an artist, it’s all about shifting stages and growing whatever resources available to compete on the international scene. My main focus is not Zimbabwe, I’m focusing beyond borders,” he said, but hastened to add that he will always represent Malawi in whatever he does. I will always carry the Malawi flag with me. I love music and it’s a talent I have. If I’m going places my identity will always be with me,” he said.
Aimor said he is receiving good response in Zimbabwe and he is focusing on getting most of his videos on international televisions to advance his career.
“My music is hip-hop and here [in Zimbabwe] people like more dancehall than rap so MCs are in that revolution phase to get rap accepted by the community. But there has been good response so far from both the people I have worked with and fans,” said the China hitmaker.
Watching his video Kuvepha, one realises the artist is dedicated to taking Malawian music afar.
With one model, one set and two sets of costume, Aimor achieved a quality that hangs above most Malawian videos.
Listening to his new songs, one notice a transformation in the artist with his new songs having more of a hard-core underground hip hop touch coupled with more mature lyrics displacing his old egoistic and playful commercial joints.
