Chigwandali drops new single

Local musician Lazarus Chigwandali has released his first-ever professional single done in collaboration with The Very Best’s Johan Hugo.

The song, titled Ndife Alendo, shines a light on the persecution of people with albinism in Malawi and other African countries.

The song was premiered on BBC 6 earlier this month in preparation for his first album later this year.

Chigwandali, who is a person with albinism (PWA), said he hopes the song gives hope to PWAs across the continent.

“Ndife Alendo speaks of hope beyond the horrors of the world. I am sure it will set me on a good course as I look forward to my first ever professional album,” he said in an interview.

In a separate interview, Hugo said this single marks a new chapter in the life of talented Chigwandali.

“Lazarus’s first single Ndife Alendo is out on all digital platforms now. It was premiered on BBC 6 Radio in UK [United Kingdom] last week and got very good reviews. It has been played on the mainstream radio in UK seven times since its premiere and this is amazing.

“The radio premiere for the song in [United States of] America was last night on KCRW, a big radio station in Los Angeles.

“The video for the song is coming outnext week. We’re also preparing for a second single in April before the Tribeca Film premiere. Lazarus album is called Stomp On The Devil and will be out in September,” he said.

Hugo’s involvement came after he saw a music video of Chigwandali performing with his homemade banjo along the streets of Lilongwe.

Meanwhile, Chigwandali’s documentary will be premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City from April 24 to May 5.

It chronicles the story of the musician on his escapees performing in the capital city while singing of the plight of people with albinism. n