Briton releases Made in Malawi album
It was indeed made in Malawi. From the set-up to the music, the launch of Neil Nayar’s Made in Malawi was so good that it swayed those in attendance.
The London singer-songwriter, with his New Vibration Band of whom 90 percent are Malawians, dazzled patrons with his versatility and clarity on Chichewa songs.
“Uli kuti chemwali, kodi unapita? Ndikumbukira nthawi imene tinkaseka” sang Nayar, who relocated to Malawi to pursue a music career.
Made in Malawi is a combination of Malawian influences and his innate unique sound.
These influences are ranging from rhumba, kwasa kwasa, country and nsansi which he studied when he lived in Ntchisi.
Nayar’s 10 track album talks about friendship, love, travelling, loss, pursuing dreams, overcoming obstacles and facing the past with two rhumba tracks, two country songs, two very much fusion Afro-European, three ballads and one calypso.
With his band, he performed all the songs from the album as well as doing cover versions of three songs including Robert Fumulani’s Bwenzi Langa and one song from an album he is working on.
Two songs, Selwyn and Lonely Boy were the toast of the day with the latter sending the ecstatic patrons to the dancefloor.
The New Vibration Band comprises Rosha Vole on bass and Edson Msendera on drums.
These two musicians have been playing together for many years with Konkalazi Band with whom they toured Europe in 2012 and won best up-and-coming band at this year’s MUM Awards.
On lead guitar is Blessings Nkhoma, who is quite well known for his work on Skeffa Chimoto’s first two albums, playing in the present Kalimba Band and being the guitar teacher at the Music Crossroads Academy.
On backing vocals is the only girl in the band, Christine Msuseni, who brings a new sparkle to the band’s sound. She is fresh from Norway on a music exchange programme.
Nayar leaves Malawi on Wednesday for UK where, among other things, he will hold the London launch of Made in Malawi on September 12.
“The band won’t be there, but be assured that I will create a Malawian atmosphere during the launch just to sell the country. I will perform songs such as Chinafuna M’bale and sell bracelets and all those stuff that have a bearing of Malawi,” said the artist in an interview.
When he returns, Nayar is preparing a busy touring schedule of Malawi and other countries.
“I plan to hold shows across the country and before the end of this year, I should have toured Southern Africa. I have applied for different festivals in different countries and I am waiting for responses which I am upbeat about. Otherwise, thanks people for the support,” he said.
Other artists who performed at the launch were 2013 Sunbird Search for a Star winner Adrian Kwelepeta, Sirius, George Kalukusha and Young Chilaga and his dance troupe.
