Vintage experience at ‘Thirties’ album launch

Lawi’s Thirties album launch slated for this Saturday at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe promises to rekindle fond memories of music from the 1990s.

Flight captain Lawi will be joined on stage by South Africa’s Thandeka, commonly known as PJ Powers, famed for her 1984 afro-rock song titled Jabulani. Local acoustic music legends Ndingo Brothers Band is also confirmed to relight memories of the old timers with their Simangeni hit song. Their other songs are Pamudzi Pano, Tilandireni and Nyamule, among others.

In a video message shared to The Nation, PJ Powers said: “I am looking forward to coming to Malawi after all this time to perform with my great friend Lawi. I am in the UK currently, but I will be coming back to Africa to see you and perform for the people. I cannot wait.”

On his part, Lawi said PJ Powers is a great African voice and described her coming to his show as an honour.

He said: “I grew up listening to PJ’s music. It played on the radio and our fathers played her music when they were younger. Birds of the same feathers flock together. I am a big artist myself in Malawi and beyond, so when I am inviting somebody, it means that I relate with them.”

With PJ Powers and Ndingo Brothers Band performing, the album launch will bring together a variety of music from Afro-jazz to Afro-rock, local acoustic, gospel acapella and a pure choir performance.

The Joyful Souls and Mitengeli Choir are among confirmed groups set to spice the night. The creative Mitengeli Choir famed for songs such as Ndalama and Look Sharp are a surprise addition to perform at the launch. In the Thirties album, Lawi talks about experiences of his life that is now in his 30s.