Meet Andrew Kholowa, a gifted guitarist with over a decade of experience. From humble beginnings and inspired by his father, Kholowa has evolved into a sought-after lead guitarist performing with top artists and bands in Malawi. He talked to contributor MADALITSO MTUKULA about his journey, triumphs and challenges and offered insights and advice for aspiring guitarists.
Q
: Tell us about yourself.
A
: My name is Andrew Kholowa, a guitarist with over 10 years’ experience at public events here in Malawi. I love playing the guitar and singing as well.
Q
: What inspired you to become a lead guitarist?
A
: My father got his first guitar in 1998 the year I was born. I used to play the keyboard while he played the guitar. However, I seemed to admire the guitar more. My father noticed and he introduced me to it. So I would only play indoors until 2012 when I watched Faith Mussa perform at his album lunch at the Great Hall in Zomba. I pursued the guitar passionately since then, playing in church and then started my own Blue Notes Band.
Q
: How did it go from there?
A
: We had a great band at Zomba Assemblies of God Church and I always thought I would one day play in the secular band. Faith Malemia, who played the lead guitar at our church offered a few lessons. He said I was really quick at learning the instrument. Later on, Nehemiah Mazunda, popularly known as Saxess, got me into the church band in 2014 and that is how I started playing lead guitar.
Q
: Any popular artist or organisation that you have worked with?
A
: I have performed at festivals, live recording events and recorded in studio sessions with a couple of artists, including Saxess, Samuel Mjura, MacLuther Mambala, Rudo Chakwera, Apostle Enersia Chitheka Lewis, Princess Chitsulo, Shammah Vocals, Frank Chimpazi, Paul Kachala and Shyreen Kalulu.
Q
: What was your best moments in your career as a lead guitarist?
A
: My best moment was in 2017 when I first performed with our band, the Blue Notes Band, at the Jazz Fever Concert in Zomba. This was a time when I had just started developing interest in Jazz and I cherished every bit of this because it was the first jazz event that I ever performed, let alone with our newly established band.
Q
: Any challenges that you have faced during your growth as a lead guitarist?
A
: The biggest challenge has been trying to balance music and my academic profession. It is really difficult to practise and perform consistently while studying or working. Sooner or later one area lacks the attention it needs.
Q
: Have you ever felt exploited in your work?
A
: There are times I have felt exploited. Most people either lack money or the will to pay for the services they ask. Mostly, it is the combination of both, but there are many times people have not paid for my services and I suspect it is intentional. It is sad that I have experienced this both in religious and corporate circles.
Q
: What else do you do apart from being a lead guitarist?
A
: I am currently an assistant researcher at Centre for Social Research at the University of Malawi but also studying for a master’s in development studies.
I also offer guitar lessons covering music theory, classical guitar and jazz. I have taught and helped over 50 people since 2018.
Q
: What advice can you give to those who want to be a guitarist?
A
: For those who want to start, now is the time. I think we are lucky to live in a period when information is everywhere. All you need is a smartphone and a guitar to start your journey. And for those that already started, I say do not give up.
