For the first time, some members of Chipembedzo cha Makolo a Chikuda have released their debut album titled Mtengo wa Mpoza containing 10 songs.
The songs teach the masses about the history of Malawians before modern faiths, the way of life and how they used to worship, among others.
Group village head (GVH) Songwe of Mulanje District, who has assembled the choir known as Songwe Choir, told The Nation that he and other leaders of Chipembedzo cha Makolo a Chikuda decided to record an album whose music can be distributed far and wide to teach the young generation about their original way of life.
“We know many Malawians are aware that before the coming in of other religions, there was a way that our forefathers lived and worshipped,” he said.
Songwe said as a composer of the songs, he made sure that he put all aspects of life of black people into perspective and allow others to learn.
“Music is the best way to go and I hope with the songs, more Malawians will realise that there is nothing wrong with praying to the Creator through their ancestors,” he said.
The traditional leader said he has written songs such as Mzimu Wanga, Msaiwale, Imfa ya M’bona, Nsalu ya Biriwita and Ukapolo.
“The songs are not just about Chipembedzo cha Makolo a Chikuda faith, but are also aimed at awakening the African mind with their significant historical knowledge packed in the lyrics,” he said.
The album, which has been sponsored by Lost History Foundation, is already available on various platforms.
Lost History Foundation executive director Conleith Selenje said they sponsored the project under its Culture Restoration project.
“One of the objectives of Lost History Foundation is to make people aware of who they are through the practice of their culture,” he said.
Selenje further said part of the funding for the project came from Fred Kwacha, a veteran in African spirituality.
“The songs are deeply meditational hymns and convey key messages and teachings drawn from African spirituality for the masses to appreciate the indigenous ways of connecting to Namalenga,” he said.
A statement from Lost History Foundation emphasised the importance of the album which is titled Mtengo wa Mpoza, saying it will go a long way in enriching Malawi’s cultural history.
“Not only are the songs enlightening, they also carry messages which clear misconceptions about praying through ancestors. The songs also tell about our culture and history,” reads the statement in part.
The foundation further claimed that songs in the album will help the younger generation to answer questions, share information and prove that we have our own ways and that Africa is older than exotic religions.
Songwe Choir has 28 members, all of whom are members of Chipembedzo cha Makolo a Chikuda.
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