Street Rat establishes band in Scotland
A Malawian artist living in Scotland, David Luhanga, aka Street Rat, has formed a band to widen his opportunities internationally.
The six-member group trading as David Luhanga and Tilitonse Band will be launched at the Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival next month.
In an interview, Street Rat said the band has also been booked for six other gigs between August 9 and 18.
He said: “The band has been formed to widen my opportunities by continuing to do my solo stuff and also the band stuff. All in all, I missed performing as a front man and the art of working with a band.”
The band comprises Scottish professional artists Alex Palmer (drums), Sam Coade (keys), Allan Ferguson (bass guitar), Tom Pickless (saxophone) and a Mozambican Manuel Bazuna (rhythm/lead guitar) whereas Luhanga himself is a lead vocalist and percussionist.
At the Fringe Festival, the biggest in Edinburgh, he said he will act together with Tom, performing Paul Symon’s Graceland album at the BBC Stage. Street Rat will be on full percussion house and backing vocals.
“For me as an artist this is a great achievement because it is a difficult task to set up a band here. For my country Malawi, this means we are moving and thinking forward. We are putting Malawi on the map,” said Luhanga.
The artist made a name as a front man of Souls of the Ghetto and Body, Mind and Soul bands.
His music spans many genres and styles from roots reggae to what he calls ‘Voodjaz’ – traditional Malawian rhythms with a jazzy feel.
Born in Mzuzu, Street Rat moved to Edinburgh, with his British wife and daughter three years ago, where he released two solo albums—Born in the Ghetto and Rhythms of My Heart.
