It is without doubt that musician Lulu maintains a respectable place in the Malawi music corridors. His multi-skilling as a songwriter, producer, player of several instruments and singer, gives him an edge. Not to mention his dance acts on stage.
With his fourth album, Ndakudziwa, set for release next week, Lulu music promises to maintain its pitch. That is, if the three singles the artist has so far released are anything to go by.
Music lovers have listened to his touch in Ndzalera, Mponyere and Mtima Wakana, and there is pregnant expectation for his fourth, coming after Mbambande in 2003,Kumalembe in 2008 and Sindilola in 2011.
“It is high time people appreciated music for its worth. Time is gone that Malawians accepted music they associate with the giants,” says Lulu.
Listening to the songs released, one gets hitches of love and betrayal. Ndzalera brings out love for another.
Sindine accountant
Sindidzawerengera zolakwa zako
Mmalo mwake ndidzazisandutsa phunziro…
Before the romance is lost, it is brought back in Mtima Wakana, a longing for a loved one: Anxiety that drives appetite away.
Kuyesa kankhuku kowiritsa ayi
Kapena ndidye tomato wosapsetsa
Thupi lonse likufuna iweyo
Dona yanga ati usamatalikire…
Looking forward to a launch in mid July, Lulu leaves for Ireland early next month to perform at the Mr Malawi Ireland.
Observes the artist: “The world is changing. Music must sink in the hearts of the people.”
That ‘going deeper’, he feels, can be expressed in music videos. He has so far released theNdzalera video. Not only can you notice the touch of finesse from Chipi Khonje’s video production antics, the video concepts are evidently artistic.
Compounding that, is how Lulu brings in model Lifat Lakosang, which reminds you of Ola Ray, the bubbly girl who featured in Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Not surprising, given that Lulu is heavily inspired by the King of Pop, who passed away four years ago. His other influence is Usher Raymond.
The video also ties in Big Brother Stargame representative, Wati.
“Bringing Wati in the video is one way that people who watch it from other African countries can relate that this is coming from Malawi,” says Lulu, who produced the album at his Lilongwe-based Mathumela Studios.
Currently, he is working on the Mtima Wakana video, saying he goes for quality, in a world where some compile music videos behind artists’ backs.
“I need to bring out videos that are a mark of my own,” he says.
Lulu plans to tour Malawi with his band, Mathumela Band soon.
How does he bring his several acts together?
“It comes from patience and thorough preparations.
“Artists have to do more because entertainment is more than music these days. The options for the audience are many,” says Lulu.
