Proudly born African
Malawian artists and organisers have for a long time strived to bring international acts in the country. But most of the times it ends in the adverts. Only a few make it happen. The influx of international acts in the country gives exposure to local artists. Malawian artists have also been holding shows in South Africa. It might not be quite a platform for international exposure, but it is a new market for the artists.
Whether his popularity as a musician is big or not, one thing is for sure—the artist has made quite an effort to push Malawian music to the edge. The artist brought Jamaican artist Fantan Mojah to perform in Malawi and Luciano alias Jah Messenger will also perform at a later announced date after he failed to perform following fears of Ebola.
How did the musician get here?
Born Afrikan, real name Nelson Chimango Shaba, says he adopted his moniker with inspiration from Rastafarian negritude/Pan-African concepts.
“Being in South Africa, I have been exposed to a lot of racism. So, I learnt that one way of beating the prejudices is celebrating who you are. I even did a song titled Born Afrikan,” he says.
The artist, however, says he does not remember the time he was not doing music from Sunday school choirs to rap and raga competitions at school.
“I used to perform with the likes of Kwatha Chitanda, Criminal A, and Tucky T in those days, but I was more into singing than rapping. But nevertheless it was a boost to my self esteem and taught me how to deal with stage fright,” says Born Afrikan.
“In those days my uncle in Edingeni used to play a home-made guitar and I used to dance for him and help him with vocals. I also recall a certain time I heard a band singing Gregory Isaacs at a tavern I went and and performed a karaoke lip sync and people were impressed. The news travelled fast to my dad. It got me in truouble that day,” he recalls.
In 1993, Lucius Banda released his debut Son of a Poor Man, whose hit single Mabala turned the music scene in a different direction. It was this song that inspired young Chimango to leave for South Africa to seek similar opportunities.
“I realised I would not just go there without something to do. So I started buying curios here, which I sold in South Africa,” he recalls.
He adds that the first trips were not profitable, but it was during those days when he started making links with South African artists.
The artist has now graduated from selling curios to owning a clothing shop, Nubians Studio, a guest house and a club where he hosts Malawian artists in South Africa.
At his club, he has hosted artists such as Skeffa Chimoto, Lucius Banda, Black Missionaries, Chibade, Katerere Chingoma, Maskal and Lambanie Dube.
The artist said he has ever since created links with international reggae artists such as Judy Boutcher, Maxi Priest, King Sounds, Luciano, Sizzla and Fantan Moja.
It is through these links that the artist wishes to bring more reggae artists in the country.
“Reggae is my strength. I cannot do other genres because I am not well connected that side,” he said.
The artist disclosed that he wants to launch a reggae festival in Malawi this year, saying he is excited to see that people can unite through music.
“I am looking for sponsors and I am hoping this will be one of the best reggae experiences in Malawi. I will also include other genres in the festival, but reggae will be the core,” said the artist.
