Artists record Wambali’s medley tribute

Some local artists have come together to produce a medley tribute for Wambali Mkandawire involving some of the late Wambali’s songs.

In an interview, the overall coordinator of the project Washington Mwenye said he came up with the idea after realising that though the nation mourned the late music maestro, no one came up with something concrete to show respect.

He said he shared the idea with Pastor Nick Chakwera and his wife Rudo, and together the three started getting other artists on board.

The musicians on the medley include Gresham Mokoena, Bishop Chimwemwe Mhango, Willie Soko, Sam Shaba, Sangwani Munthali and Rudo.

“The initial plan was to release the tribute last year, but due to other circumstances we had to hold up the project until now,” he said.

Mwenye said they delayed the project to first get the blessings of Wambali’s family, among other things.

 He said the plan is to release both the medley  audio and video today.

“We still face some financial challenges to source funds for the production of a documentary for Wambali. Individuals or companies that would like to support us are welcome,” he said.

In a separate interview, Bishop Mhango said it was an honour to take part in the tribute project to honour Wambali.

“I worked and performed with the late Wambali for a long time and we became more or less like brothers,” he said.

Mhango said he wants Malawians to enjoy the medley and reminisce that at one point God blessed us with a talent of Wambali’s calibre.

“Just like the Du Chisiza Jnr, Wambali’s legacy ought to be respected in a special way and what he always stood for which is salvation, peace and freedom,” he said.

Another artist on the project, Sam Shaba, said the tribute is meant to appreciate the great gift of music that the late Wambali left music fans with.

“This medley will also challenge young ones to embrace the idea of playing music that is truly Malawian. And producing this kind of music needs excellence,” he said.

Shaba hopes the medley will remind Malawians the importance of patriotism and support for local artists who strive to bring out the best sound and sell it to the world.

Born Greenwood Mkandawire, Wambali was one of the coun try’s greatest artists with nine albums under his belt.