During his hey days, Apostle King James Phiri once stood before an audience that never came.
In 2012, he had a launch of his album, Amayankha Yesu at Comesa Hall in Blantyre. But the turnout fell far short of expectation.
It could have been the moment he questioned his calling. Rather, he tried again. And again, in 2014, he launched Mukumane ndi moyo wanga at Robin’s Park in Blantyre.
This time the tunout was positive. The album helped him etch his name in the annals of the gospel industry.
In an interview, Apostle King James Phiri said he wrote the album’s title track Mukumane ndi moyo wanga featuring Princess Chitsulo, during a difficult period in his life. More than a decade later, the song continues to resonate with listeners.
“I believe this is because its message speaks to different people and their different circumstances, allowing it to remain relevant even when performed years after its release,” he said.
The song goes, in part: “Mukumane ndi moyo wanga. Mukumane ndi chosowa changa… Ine ndatopa ndikumva umboni wa anthu ena, nanenso lero lino Yesu, mundipatse umboni. Ine ndatopa ndikuyenda mzikwati za anthu enawa.
“Nanenso chaka chino Yesu wina abwere changa. Ine ndatopa ndikunyamula ana a eni wake. Koma wanga ndiribe. Lero mundipatse umboni. Ine ndatopa ndikusala kudya kukwera mapiri, koma zinthu osayenda, lero mundipatse umboni.”
His musical catalogue grew with Chichitika and Yahwe, both launched in 2018, followed by Chipulumutso Ndi Wekha in 2024.
This time around, Apostle King James Phiri is gearing for a return to Robin’s Park in Blantyre on November 8 with his latest project Kwandisekelera ndikumwamba.
Scheduled for 1pm, the album launch will be supported by gospel artists including Dr Favoured Martha, Phalyce Mang’anda, Ndirande Anglican Voices, Apostle Norman Phiri, Thoko Katimba, Khama Khwiliro, Eliza Mponya and Marvelous Deeds, among others.
Apostle King James Phiri said the album title Kwandisekelera Ndikumwamba carries the message of triumph, faith and perseverance.
He said: “The title draws from the kind of statements people make when they doubt someone’s ability to succeed, telling them they cannot reach a certain level or accomplish a particular task.
“But moments when people doubt an individual can become moments when God demonstrates what is possible.”
The musician added that attendees should expect an auspicious event and asked them to show their support once again.
“I want people who love my music to come to Robin’s Park on November 8, show their love and experience the launch with me. For those unable to attend, their support remains important,” said Phiri.
Produced by Steve Mereka of M Studio, the album comprises 10 songs, including Kwandisekelera ndikumwamba, Ndaima pa phiri, Tikonze zinthu, Mwandidzidzimutsa, Thandizo lopezekelatu and Musakhale chete.
Had he stopped after the disappointing launch in 2012, his story would have ended rigt there.
Instead, he kept working, remained approachable and continued trusting in his direction. That consistency is what fellow artist Mponya recognised.
She said: “He is one of the most iconic gospel artists in Malawi. He works very hard and he is loved by many people.
“Also, he has stuck to one genre while other musicians have changed genres across their diverse projects. Aspiring gospel artists can borrow a leaf from his work ethic and humanity.”
Mponya said she is prepared for the launch and urged her followers to come in large numbers to support the artists. “At the end of the day, the name of God should be glorified,” she added.
After Blantyre, the launch goes to Lilongwe next year before moving to Mzuzu and other districts, including Mangochi, Salima and Mchinji.
