Preaching in Nyau style

Song Title : Dzaoneni

Artists : Vincent Kadzakumanja

Album : Dzaoneni

Reviewer : Albert Sharra

If you are in Zimbabwe and you talk about mbira music, the first name you will hear is that of Oliver Mtukudzi.

In Malawi, except in special cases such as the Sena jive done by Lower Shire artists, many artists have failed to create an identity.

Much of the beats and the flow of vocals in the songs are replica of other people’s work.

However, the few artists that chose to be different such as the Nyemba Nyemba Boys and Edgar ndi Davis duo continue to shine.

A new kid on the block, Vincent Kadzakumanja, who has been working with another self-styled Evance Watsopano Mereka, believes it is not too late to embrace traditional beats that can help create an identity for Malawian music.

Kadzakumanja is back as a solo artist and will soon relaunch his music which carries the nyau beat.

As you listen to Dzaoneni from a distance, you can mistakenly think, a nyau dance is in session somewhere.

Kadzakumanja, who uses much of the Nyau drumming and vocals creatively, communicates the messages in the songs while creating drama.

Unlike other styles, the nyau beat creates more room for words to be hears. Kadzakumanja takes advantage of this to preach the gospel while decorating his messages with Chichewa accent associated with the real Chewa people.

“… Mwamva izo zachitika kumtundaku? Waja womadwala aja ndunena pano ochira, komanso paja ndinakuuzani kuti kumtundako wena ake paja nikakamba kuti ndi gojo, momwe ndunena pano, pompano nikuti kuli chimwana cha mphongo…, Dala, Dala ali kuchita Yesu, Dala ayi nda ntiyira ka mtengo,” goes the first verse.

If identity born from creativity matters in art, Dzaoneni is a must-listen-to.