It runs in the blood:Apatsa Kwilimbe leads Mafuko Band, promises big
Lilongwe-based reggae artist Apatsa Kwilimbe, who has had a successful stint with Zembani Band, is back with live active musical performance in the music circles and now leads a 10-member Mafuko Band.
The 35-year old artist, who was once a part time drummer for Kalimba Band and has two albums to his credit, has promised to take Mafuko Band to the international stage, but has called for more technical and financial support from well-wishers across the country and beyond if his dream is to materialise.
On the Arts has, on several occasions, seen Kwilimbe and Mafuko Band performing on a weekly basis at the New Adventures Pub located in Area 25 C, in the Capital City.
In an interview last week before entertaining fans during the Independence Day holiday, Kwilimbe said despite parting ways with Zembani Band a year ago, he still envisions emerging as a strong force to reckon with on both the domestic and international scene, individually as well as with his outfit.
“I started this band last year in December and since then we have had successful live concerts within Lilongwe and it is my prayer and vision to see the band going beyond the borders,” he said.
Last October, Kwilimbe held a pre-launch of his second album Pompopompo in Lilongwe and said plans to fully launch the album later in August.
He said he is currently shooting a DVD for his song Koma Iwe, from the 15-track Pompopompo album which is also enjoying airplay on most local radio stations.
Kwilimbe has also played for the now defunct Patience Band and Rain Seekers Band which were owned by his father, cultural anthropologist Bernard Kwilimbe.
In Lucius Banda’s Zembani Band, Kwilimbe used to be instrumental in playing drums, percussions, rhythm guitar and bass guitar.
Members of Kwilimbe’s Mafuko Band include Zofuna Mziya (bassi), Chimwemwe Msowoya (keyboard), Hope Lufani (keyboard and backing vocals), Mande Kwilimbe (drums), Takondwa Kwilimbe (drums and vocalist) Yanjanani Kandulu (vocalist), Jeremiah Mangulenje (vocalist) and Dilesi Silungwe (guitar).
