For singer and songwriter Mtameni Kachusa, who performs under the name Just Mtameni, music has never been about chasing trends or instant fame.
Instead, it has been a quiet, deliberate journey of growth, one shaped by storytelling, lived experiences and a deep respect for Malawi’s musical heritage.
self-improvement. | Courtesy of Mtameni
“I recorded my first song when I was in secondary school in 2012. I started out as a rapper like almost everyone at our school at the time. I’m a little embarrassed to share the title now, but that is where my journey began,” he said.
That early experimentation laid the foundation for an artistic evolution that would later take shape at the University of Malawi, where Mtameni studied music and transitioned into singing.
“That is where I really found my voice. Studying music helped me to understand myself as an artist and the kind of sound I wanted to make,” he said.
Growing up, Mtameni’s musical identity was nurtured through family moments sound tracked by Malawian classics.
“I grew up listening to a lot of George Mkandawire. His music was always playing during car drives with my dad,” he said.
He also mentions Wambali Mkandawire, Evison Matafale and Lulu as his formative influences.
These influences have blended into a sound that is intimate and reflective.
“My music is mostly guitar led, built around simple heartfelt melodies that fuse folk and R ‘n’ B. It is like Lawi meets Lulu with a subtle touch of Wambali woven in,” Mtameni said.
In recent years, his steady artistic growth has translated into notable milestones.
“Last year was quite an amazing journey for me. I performed in Kenya at an event in Nairobi. I was featured on Faith Mussa’s song Chotsa Mantha and I performed at Lake of Stars and the Zomba City Festival,” said Mtameni.
However, like many Malawian artists, he continues to navigate structural challenges within the industry.
“One of the biggest challenges for most artists in Malawi is limited resources and funding. Accessing high end equipment to elevate the sound and investing in quality productions such as music videos is not easy,” he said.
Rather than waiting for external support, the artist has taken a sensible approach by maintaining a full time job and personally funding his artistry.
Balancing employment with creativity, he admitted, requires discipline.
“It is not easy being an artist while also working full time. But with clear planning, discipline and focus, it is possible,” he said.
At the core of Mtameni’s music is storytelling with purpose.
“My music often revolves around themes of self-improvement, growth and inspiration. Through these stories, I hope to inspire people,” he added.
One of his standout songs, Pa Moto, was inspired by a defining performance moment.
“Pa Moto was inspired by a campfire performance I did at the Zomba City Festival. That moment felt truly transformative and marked a new chapter in my career. The song tells a story of renewal and transformation through the pursuit of your dreams, no matter how tough the journey gets,” Mtameni said.
He said that live performances remain his strongest point of connection with audiences.
As anticipation builds around his forthcoming album, Mtameni described the project as deeply personal.
”I’m excited about releasing my album at the end of January 2026. It feels like the culmination of a long journey of growth, experimentation and self-discovery and I can’t wait to finally share this body of work with everyone,” Mtameni said.
Commenting on the artist, one of his fans, John Bika said Mtameni is a special artist because of his approach.
“He is such a talented artist. Not very loud and has not yet made that big name, but everyone who experiences his performances appreciates him. He is in a lane of his own,” he said.
Another fan Mercy Bakali said Mtameni is a rare gem that Malawians are yet to fully appreciate.
“It is not every day that we have an artist of Mtameni’s caliber. He is an excellent artist and very good on stage,” he said.
