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I want to reconnect with Malawians

Malawian hip-hop artist Aemo is not a common name locally. This is because he has largely been based in South Africa. Recently, he made headlines after he became the latest artist to be signed under the world renowned Universal Music Group which manages artists from around the world. Our Arts Editor EDITH GONDWE caught up with Aemo for details.

Aemo: I feel we have that potential

Q

: You have just been named as the latest artist to be signed under Universal Music Group and a single is also out. How does it feel and tell us more about the new single?

A

:  It feels absolutely great to have my first single out under a major label. One of the best record labels in the world to be honest. The process was long, but it is all worth it in the end. About the song itself, As Long As You Love Me, is a pure personal story of which I will be telling throughout the course of the push. However, the production was inspired by the feel of older sounds and how the older generation, were communicating with their consumers through lyrics and poetic sounds. No one is doing that anymore these days.

 

Q

:  How is the game like to be an artist for a major record label such as Universal Music Group?

A

:  Being under a major label puts me under pressure on its own because numbers matter most hence I have to constantly keep reminding myself that music is not about benchmarking my potential and capabilities or isolating myself from the rest of the world. However, I will make it my personal mission to motivate every Malawian child to never look down on themselves but pursue their utmost dreams because we are limitless. The game will remain the game.

 

Q

:  What is your game plan to survive under such intense competition and pressure?

Q

:  For me, it is not about conquering the Malawi market, but more of building a market that can compete with the rest of the world. I feel we have that potential. It is just about the chances we gotta give ourselves. So, I look to collaborate more with Malawian pioneers such as DJs, journalists, media houses and artists themselves. Together we can build an industry in Malawi.

 

Q

:  Introduce Aemo. Not many Malawians are familiar with your name and music?

A

: My name is Aemo, real name Amos Mazinyane Junior. I am a music artist. I create works. I am a song writer first and everything else follows. I rap and I sing, I can talk on a beat but still sound cool and I am doing Afro beat at the minute. Afro communicate my emotions the right way with whoever is listening. I was born in Lilongwe, Malawi on May 6 1988. My interest in music developed at an early age. I was raised in Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu Natal where I attended Howick West Primary School. When my family relocated to Malawi I completed my secondary education at Ntonya Private School.

I am an alumni of the Malawian version of Pop Idols, dubbed E-wallet talent show which is now defunct. My time at E-wallet gave me a lot of exposure and experience which later helped me join the disbanded Canadian hip hop group 265 Sound Crew. Then I went to establish myself as a solo artist and released songs such as Midnight Train to Jozi, Second To Breathe and Big Boys Don’t Cry. I have worked with some top producers such as Canadian Ice Jay, Alexis Faku, French producer Fab Faya, UK producer Daniel K and Nigeria’s Ahuche Chika, among others. nw

 

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