Wailing Brothers attempt comeback
Reggae group Wailing Brothers may appear to be down, but they refuse to be considered done and out yet.
Having recently relocated from their Blantyre base to Lilongwe and regrouped, the band has set its revival wheels rolling through the release of two singles Rasta Child and Samalitsa.
Band leader Takudziwani Chokani admits the group has met several challenges, but they are determined to try again.
“We have faced a number of setbacks on the way. We still have those bottlenecks. But this time around it is God who has said go and try again. So, we believe we are now starting a new chapter,” he said.
Chokani said their biggest challenge has been lack of finances to enable the band record songs and hold shows and an alleged systematic mistreatment by people in the industry.
However, from its original members only Chokani and sibling Paul remain. They have since been joined by Paul Kalumbi, James Mandota, Arnold Fumulani, Toza Matafale, Mathews G Sharp and Isaac Chaomba.
Despite the wholesale changes and the bad treatment it has received, the group appears to have stuck with its reggae DNA that has defined its music since its formation in 1994 if their new singles are anything to go by.
True to their Rastafarian beliefs, in Rasta Child, the group is advocating for the upliftment of universal rights. Among other things, the song is highlighting the rules that prevent children wearing dreadlocks from going to school.
Chokani said of the song: “We are now in a new era. I believe those that made such rules are no longer around now. They had their own reasons which are no longer valid today. A rasta child has the right to education just like any other child.”
The band leader said the two singles are the start of a long-term which will culminate in a collection of 15 songs to be released in 2024. The collection will add to their previous albums Mudzamva Liti, Baba and Unfinished Project.
He said:“With our new base being centrally positioned, we believe it will ease the burden on our budget. We can travel easily to the South and North for performances.”
Lead vocalist Kalumbi said: “This group has a history. As current members, we have a responsibility to lift it again.
