Kusakala: master of many trades

Aubrey Kusakala is a well of talent. From him, one can tap music, theatre, emceeing and journalism insights. He is someone who can be called a master of different trades.

Some may know him as a radio journalist from his exploits at Power 101 FM or MIJ FM. Others may recognise him as a musician through such songs as Ukamapita ringing at the back of their minds. Yet others will recognise the 30-year-old for his drama skills which came to a climax when he performed with Nanzikambe Arts.

Many more will see Aubrey in the light of an emcee at gospel music shows, weddings and engagement ceremonies or at corporate functions.

A master of different trades.

“It comes out easy. It is God-given. It dates back a long way,” said Kusakala, soft-speaking and ever-smiling.

Born on October 9, 1981 at Kamuzu Barracks, Aubrey attended several schools before completing his secondary school education at Chichiri Private School in 2000. Then he pursued an accounting course through the Public Accounts Examinations Council (Paec) where he obtained a Certificate in Financial Accounting (Cifa).

He later ditched the world of figures for journalism.

“After my Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE), my father wanted me to do accounting. My heart was in journalism. That is why after Cifa, I enrolled with MIJ [Malawi Institute of Journalism] where I obtained a diploma,” he looks back.

His journalism career has seen him work for the state-owned Weekly News before joining Power 101 FM. His next stop was at MIJ FM where he has since resigned, but is serving notice until Sunday. He does not disclose his next destination, but affirms it will be in the media.

Kusakala’s work has revolved around reporting and presenting programmes, notably Gospel Call at Power 101 and Gospel Trumpeter at MIJ.

Currently, Aubrey is working on his debut album, which will be out next month. It is another step in his musical journey which began back in the day, at the barracks, where he was staying with his parents and four siblings.

“I started singing at Kamuzu Barracks where I was a member of the Support Batallion Choir, alongside gospel artist Roy K. From there, I have performed with Nkolokoti Gospel Singers and Redeemed Voices,” said the Assemblies of God member.

Ukamapita is one of his famous tracks, which is a collabo with Lee Chapata. It contains the DNA of his music: love. That, he says, will be the major feature in his album, Tinkhani Toyamba. He is passionate about love.

Some of the songs from the album, including a house beat Hossana, are already enjoying airplay on radio and television stations.

“This is the beginning of better things to come. My next album will be Tinkhani Tachiwiri and I will continue bringing Tinkhani albums as long as God wills,” said Aubrey, an admirer of Wambali Mkandawire.

Another artist he respects is Lucius Banda. According to him, Soldier’s music has inspired him, and he recalls memorising all songs on his albums such as Cease Fire.

Kusakala, an avid fan of Manchester United FC, sees a bright future in music, not only for him but for Malawi as well.

That, however, is an uphill task as musicians have to be more united, with promoters more into assisting artists not robbing them. Recording companies have to be set up and the corporate world should do more to promote music and musicians.

“Money is the biggest challenge Malawian musicians are facing. I see that every time I am emceeing at shows. We can do more on unity and promoters only want to make money from musicians. Unless things change, we will go nowhere,” said the father of one.

Married to Emily last year, Kusakala enjoys time with his daughter, Audrey. That is if he is not watching movies or listening to music.

With talents interlocking as such, it is true, as the adage weavers said, a jack of all trades is a master of none. Aubrey is slowly repudiating one talent, due to pressure.

“Due to busy schedules, I am no longer acting,” he said.