Kaka quits Zembani, joins Skeffa
His spiky tongue and sharp voice has sold him as a singer. His precise mimicking of almost all musicians in the country is a rare forte that has earned him kudos. This extraordinary talent is what perhaps has pushed his name to many secular music lovers in the country.
Kanthu Kalinda, the musician better known as Kaka, has been a keyboardist and vocalist in Lucius Banda’s Zembani Band.
But the past four months, Kaka has been off stage as he was hospitalised following a road accident that fractured his leg.
And now, he is back in the music limelight, but not with Zembani Band, the band that not only launched his career, but also moulded him into the artists he is today.
“I am no longer with Zembani Band, I have joined the Real Sounds. After the accident, I was still pondering as to whether to get back to music or not. It was all on health grounds. But I have to get back to business for the sake of my fans. However, due to my health my situation, I cannot stand travelling a lot as I stay in Lilongwe.
“I regard Lucius as my father. He has not only helped me, but a couple of other successful musicians in the country. He is the godfather of music in Malawi. I am forever indebted to him,” said Kaka in an interview.
Skeffa Chimoto, who owns Real Sounds, confirmed recruiting Kaka, but declined to divulge more details.
On his part, Lucius confirmed that they have mutually parted ways with Kaka.
“I can confirm he is no longer with us. He communicated through a text message sometime back that he cannot manage to be commuting from Lilongwe to Balaka, the base of the band. He said he wanted to be working with a band closer and the Real Sounds was his choice,” he said.
Commenting on reports that he dumped Kaka when he was admitted to the hospital following a life threatening accident, Lucius said: “He was involved in an accident when he chose to remain behind while the band was supposed to be in Zambia for performances. He said he was going to attend tombstone unveiling of his father, only to hear that he was involved in an accident from Mzimba where he went to perform with another band.
“We chose not to take full responsibility, but we facilitated his transferring from Dowa to Kamuzu Central Hospital where he was operated on. I personally do not have ill feelings towards his decision and I know these are the sentiments that can come from the rest of the band. We wish Kaka all the best.’’
The 27-year-old joined Zembani Band in 2010.
