Society

From a ‘nobody’ to an African star

 There are times when creatives draw inspiration from their backgrounds. The presentations can be recount versions delivered through music compositions, poems or even drama plays.

The narrative cannot be better illustrated than by Afro-pop singer Onesimus’ current chat-topping hit Nobody. Listening to the lyrics one can see that words really came from his heart.

Don ’ t you des i r e the diamonds/ you better know my story/ just don’t see me glitter/ kunalim’dima before the story… goes the opening stanza of the song.

Onesimus: I want to represent Malawi on a world stage

And the 31-year-old has not hidden the fact that the track resonates with his reality while growing up in the dusty township of Chilobwe and Chilomoni.

“As you know I was raised by a single parent, my mother alone. It was not always smooth sailing. I have had to work my way up the ladder to get where I am today,” he says.

And his story is one that many people relate to such that when his song starts sounding through the speakers during public events, you cannot help but marvel at the sight of people going into their soliloquys as they take time to reflect on their own life path.

But although the song gives a sorrowful feeling on one end, it also represents Onesimus’s own victory, about just how he has fought all those challenges to establish a thriving music career, which he owes to God.

And the Messenger hit-maker admits of a rising tale

 that his career has been, especially in the last year. It has been a period where the Malawian artist has toured the African region and performed and collaborated with some of the biggest names on the continent.

Onesimus says the change in fortunes of his career has all been down to hard work, practice and staying focused.

He says: “I believe my career took a 360 degrees turn four years ago. I am still pushing the dream and I am glad to say that the future looks promising.”

From the young boy who first tried his art with a childhood group, Blessed Beyond Measure in 2008, he has progressed to a man sharing the stage and studio space with names such as Nigerian FireBoy.

From releasing his first single Beautiful in 2010 to winning the African Inspiration Music best male artist award in 2019, from signing his first music deal with local stable Ndefeyo, to getting on the books of South African music label Muthaland Entertainment.

His journey from a Mr Nobody to an African star seems like it won’t relent soon. The Malawian artist has an imminent gig schedule that will see him perform in Gambia on December 18, United Kingdom on December 29 where he will share the stage with Diamond Platinumz and in Ireland on December 31.

“I want to represent Malawi on a world stage using my brand. I want to keep flying the Malawian flag higher. It feels great to know that I am heading in the right direction. My plan is to break new territory,” he says.

The artist recently also announced a planned African tour which will pair him with Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz. His local manager Tonderai Banda says all the logistical arrangements about the tour have been finalised already.

Banda said: “He is one of the most trending music brands at the moment. We are very appreciative of his talent and the plan now is to position him to establish a heavy presence in the whole African continent.”

In his heavily storied music career Onesimus has shared the stage with some of Africa’s big names such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Selif Keita, Techno, Vusi Nova, FireBoy, whom he has also recently collaborated with in a yet-to-be released song.

Some of the albums under his belt include Epikaizo, Somewhere In Dreamland, Messenger, Oh What A Lovely Day among others. The Solomoni creator is also contracted to Major 1 Record Label

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