Faith Mussa’s Footprints: The music and the guitar man

Faith Mussa, one of the country’s most gifted gospel musicians has grown from strength to strength.

Starting from a humble beginning, his story is both inspiring and exciting as it brings lots of lessons.

It would be an understatement to say Mussa’s career has progressed through luck because his journey is characterised by hard work and natural talent.

At the age of six he was already familiarised to music because the art runs in his family.

He made headlines then, especially in the church, as one of the gifted young stars.

Mussa appeared at many events alongside his family band, Mussa Family, doubling as a singer and guitarist.

“I started playing the guitar in 1996 when my father brought me two guitars when he was returning from school in the United Kingdom (UK). I owe it to my family for nurturing the talent in me. They trusted my potential regardless of my age,” he said.

Mussa further said his father Pastor David Mussa taught him how to play the guitar.

“My father used to play different instruments in the family band. And it was him who taught me how to play the guitar. While my brother was taught how to play the piano. He was such a loving father who really wished us good by passing on his skills and knowledge to his children,” he said.

Growing up as a boy, Mussa said practising music was a hobby which kept him busy.

“I spent much of my time with my guitar. It was about me and my guitar only because it became my best friend. And the rehearsals with our family band kept me busy from immoral activities. I really cherish those moments because they made Mussa family’s children where we are today,” he said, adding that his parents raised him with wisdom and discipline.

The artist added that growing up as a young guitarist and singer was fun.

“For me it was really fun, especially when I received compliments from people. I took everyone, including supporters of our family band’s music, as family. Until today my fans are my family,” said Mussa of Desperate fame.

Apart from playing the guitar, Mussa was into singing. The first time he went into recording music was in 1996 when Mussa Family released its sixth album titled Tapanga Chani.

Away from the family band, Mussa launched a successful solo music career releasing four albums, namely Timanjoya (2008), Desperate (2013), Mdidi (2015) and Kalilima (2018).

Esther Banda from Manja Township in Blantyre is one of Mussa’s staunch fans.

“I have been listening to Faith Mussa’s music since I was young. Desperate is one of my favourite tunes ever. I used to play it every day from the day it was released. Until today, I like Faith Mussa’s music,” said Banda.

Mussa described his music as a voyage of discovery in which has learnt a lot of things.

“Having started my music in a family band is one of the most precious developments that I cherish every moment of my life. Altogether, it has been fun and a sort of voyage full of discoveries and learning.

As a family, we managed to release seven albums before I went solo to record four albums,” he said.

Mussa’s achievements included a deal with a UK based label, Beating Heart.

“I got signed to UK label the Beating Heart and toured Europe, America and Asia extensively. This was awesome,” he said.

The singer said one of his best moments was in 2018, when he won three awards in Nyasa Music Awards.

He recalled: “Apart from winning the three awards in 2018, performing at Glastonbury Festival in 2019 in the UK was big and unforgettable. It was my first time to perform before a huge audience.”

Mussa has also participated at Hilma Festival in Norway, Sauti Aa Busara in Zanzibar, Woodburner Festival and Boomtown in the UK, World Festival in California, US and Lake of Stars.

He, however, said his lowest moment was when he lost his friend and backing vocalist Richard Phiri.

Among other things, he plans to release a collection of music at the end of the year. 

Said Mussa: “I am also planning to expand my reach in artist management and development. This is a dream that I have been harbouring in order to give back big to society.”