Reclaiming Makasu Band

Makasu Band has been one of the country’s legendary music groups. But after the death of its leader Bright Nkhata, the group went into oblivion. Lately, there have been attempts to revive the country’s oldest bands. One of the persons involved in the project is producer Tapps Bandawe. Our Arts Editor EDITH GONDWE caught up with him to discuss this and more. Excerpts: 

Q

: Makasu Band is one of the country’s oldest music bands. What inspired you to get involved in reviving it?

A

: Makasu Band is indeed a legendary band in Malawi. In fact, Makasu Band is one of the reasons that I got into music. I remember one of my first studio sessions as a musician was with Stain Phiri who is the original founder of Makasu Band. That was in 1988 and shows how long back I go with the music outfit. During those days he had set out his studio in Magalasi, Blantyre. So, yeah I knew all the original members of Kalimba, all the original members of Makasu and when I was a young boy, I used to hang out with Griffin Mhango, Bright Nkhata, Stain Phiri and all the original members of the groups. I then went to South Africa, came back to Malawi. What I have noticed lately is that Malawi music is becoming more electronic and the real feel of the instruments and bands is drifting away. In fact, when bands play music it is usually covers and we do not have Malawian bands playing Malawian music. Back in the day, we used to have lots of Malawian bands playing Malawian music such as Love Aquarius, Kalimba, Makasu, MBC Band, there were so many. So, what we want to do is to bring back that culture. Even back then Malawian music had a unique touch. Now even our sound is becoming more and more foreign. It is actually rare to attend an event with a full band playing. This is what has inspired me to get involved in reviving the Makasu Band. 

Q

: Makasu Band has been failing to continue being active since the death of Bright Nkhata. How have you arranged so that this time things work out?

A

: Since the death of Bright Nkhata it has been quite tough indeed. The band has had its ups and downs. But one of its founders  is a gentleman called Stain Phiri. He is actually the one who put this band together and trained the members in the school of Makasu sound. So, what they have done is to train them on the standards and approach of Makasu Band. But what they lacked was management. They needed someone who can take them to the next level and put out new music and get people to hear them as they are in their current form. This is when Stain Phiri approached me and I was honoured and happy to help and assist. It is part of our role to help push Malawian music forward and Makasu Band, especially knowing their history, I felt obligated to assist and it started well.

Q

: Are there old members of the band or is it filled with new names?

A

: The band now has new members. Of course, some have played in previous bands, but what is special about this is that Stain Phiri, who is the original producer and founder of Makasu Band is involved.  Stain Phiri is the one who produced several hits as well as played the keyboard in Makasu and Kalimba bands. Now he is the musical director and gives the members directions. That is what is exciting about this. But the members are new but experienced in playing the keyboard, drums, the bass, trumpet and vocals as well. 

Q

: Let us talk about the single the new Makasu Band has released?

A

: The single is titled Unstoppable. It is a song about being unstoppable. It talks about life having many detractors. Many people will say you cannot achieve this and that, but if you are determined, and if you really want it, you can achieve it with hard work. You need the unstoppable mentality. In life there are many naysayers and detractors who will want to detract you from your dream and vision. In terms of the sound, we have chosen the same Makasu Band sound but with a new modern feel.

Q

: What are the plans for the band now that it has been reconstituted?

A

: The plan for the band is to go international. I never get into anything unless I feel that it is capable of taking it as far as possible. We want to take the band to international festivals across the world. There are a lot of live band festivals and this is where we are going. We want to also make live band radio stations across the globe. I already got a deal with Universal Music and we are trying to engage so that we see where we can fit Makasu Band within that deal.