The music legacy that late Bright ‘ Live wire ’ Nkhata left behind is undeniably huge.
Any attempts to replicate what he did during a career that spanned close to three decades need to be carefully thought.
“He was a prolific vocalist. A workaholic. He believed in perfection such that during rehearsals he believed in training thoroughly. Even if it meant jumping for two hours, Bright would do it. But above all he was a generous person,” said Jai Banda, one of the figures who worked closely with Nkhata.
The music story from the Nkhata lineage may have somewhat simmered, but it looks like it is far from being over. ‘Livewire’s daughter Agnes, who trades under the alias of Queen Agnes has released her first single, Moyo Wanga.
The US-based artist is not a new name in the entertainment industry, but until now, her association with the art trade was limited to her profession as a DJ. But now, Queen Agnes says it is time to share the art she originally possesses; music.
She said in an interview inside the week: “I believe my father’s musical gifts have been embedded in me. I grew up at the pick of his creativity and I thank God for the opportunity to be able to follow in his footsteps.”
Queen Agnes said she has been following her father’s music legacy since she became a DJ and she hopes to continue with her father’s legacy.
“This was something I was afraid to do for many years. But I have grown to realise that art is zero percent about perfection and 100 percent about authenticity. Music has taken me to beautiful places and now it is my time to give back,” said the artist who is based in Dallas, Texas.
Queen Agnes said her biggest drive in her music is to ensure that people are entertained and inspired. She said similar to her father, she believes in music that uplifts the spirits of people.
She said: “I desire to reflect on what the world is facing as well as at the same time bringing back the dance floor.”
Her first release Moyo Wanga is a duet with up-and-coming producer Leumus of Set-Up Beats and it is a fusion of amapiano and afro-house. Queen Agnes said the song is a dedication to his late father Bright.
“Leumus has a fresh vibe and he really matched my energy on this project,” she said of the single, which has been featured in other US radio stations such as 97.9 The Beat where she was also interviewed after the release of the song on March 1.
Speaking in a separate interview, Leumus, who is also the producer of the song, said Queen Agnes has talent and believes in the genre she is playing.
Leumus said: “We knew each other a long time and she is one of the people who believed in the amapiano movement that we are advancing here together with Zeze Kingston. The goal is to create a wider network of amapiano music.
“Queen Agnes is outside the country and also doing a lot for Malawi. She is pushing boundaries and that is the main goal for amapiano music.”
