Circa 2016, the music scene was greeted by a new voice and sound which at the time looked destined to write a new chapter of Malawian music.
That voice was none other than Ril B, who had stormed the music landscape courtesy of his chart-topping single Mwini Zinthu featuring Blaze.
The clubs were jiving to the groove of the song and the entertainment events had found a theme song to colour their moments.
“Samandilonda, kapena kundiyenda njomba, akazi anga ndi konkalaaa, mwini zinthu…” those lines became an ever present feature when it came to partying.
But after stirring that sensational storm, it appeared like it became a bit hard for the artist to scale similar heights he did with Mwini Zinthu despite releasing several singles.
In 2025, the artist relocated to the United States (US), where he is slowly rediscovering his music footing.
In an interview with Society this week from his new base in Washington, Ril B, born Blessings Bwanali Phiri, said he did not put music on the back burner.
“Preceding the success of Mwini Zinthu were other releases such as Chatha, Anga ndi Mantha, Lema and Moto featuring Driemo. It was not like I had stopped doing music,” he said.
Ril B yesterday released his 13-track mixtape titled Lilaka la Mtima, which he has described as personal to him in relation to what the heart cannot say, but the tongue can sing.
He said: “It is a collection of songs that express different emotions and experiences we go through in life. Love, pain, heartbreak, disappointment, hope, healing, faith, and the desire to succeed.
“Some feelings are difficult to explain when you’re just talking to someone, but through music, you can say everything that is inside your heart.”
The artist said he wanted every song in the compilation to tell its own story while still being connected to the bigger message of the project.
Ril B said some songs are inspired by personal experiences, while others by things other people have gone through.
“I believe a lot of people will be able to find themselves somewhere in this mixtape. Whether you’ve loved someone, lost someone, felt alone, been disappointed, or kept fighting for your dreams, there is something you can connect with,” said Ril B.
The musician said his being in music is not by accident as he has always found music as his easiest way to express his feelings as there are always things that can be difficult to explain in normal conversations.
He said: “As I continued making music, I realised it wasn’t just something I enjoyed, it became part of who I am. I started using my own experiences, emotions, struggles, love, pain, hope and the things happening around me as inspiration.”
Ril B has described his music career as a journey of growth, learning and self-discovery.
“I have faced challenges along the way, but every experience has helped me become a better artist and understand my sound more deeply. Music has given me a way to express emotions and experiences that are sometimes difficult to put into ordinary words.
“I am grateful for everyone who has supported me so far, and I feel like I’m only getting started. There’s still a lot I want to achieve and I am excited about where this journey is taking,” said the artist.
The Lilaka la Mtima mixtape has been produced by Taktic and it was recorded by Beat Maker and Touchez from Tanzania.
Moses Kwilimbe, a long-time fan for Ril B said of his comeback: “It is refreshing to hear his sounds once again after such a long time. His compositions are always compelling and deep. I hope he has not departed from his DNA.”
