Wailing Brothers pass litmus test
From the loins of one of the talented families in the country, blessed with music, came the Wailing Brothers.
This is a group which was started in the early 1990s by the late Elias Chokani.
The group has been on a hiatus for the past decade, but Black Missionaries members Takudziwani and Paul Chokani recently revived the Wailing Brothers.
The lead guitarist and drummer have moved in fast months down the line as the group last weekend launched its first album, Unfinished Project.
All this is coming hot on the heels of a rumour that the country’s popular reggae group, Black Missionaries, has split.
This has also been coupled by allegations that the Chileka-based outfit has been sidelining the Chokani brothers which apparently was highlighted through the Kuimba albums’ covers where the faces of lead vocalist Anjiru Fumulani, bassist Peter Amidu and keyboardist Chizondi Fumulani stand out.
Though the album launch has received a lukewarm reception as evidenced by a low turnout in Blantyre on Friday and Lilongwe on Sunday, the Wailing Brothers have made a statement of striving to be another reggae powerhouse in the country.
With Paul on drums and lead vocals, Taku on lead guitar and voices, Chikumbutso Simbi on lead voices, Ephraim Chambota Chirwa on bass guitar, Innocent Kalonga on keyboards and Harold Kainja on second keyboard, the estimated crowd of 500 people enjoyed the night into the early hours of Monday.
The Chokani’s were already on top of the beat as years ago, they played instruments for their cousin, Evison Matafale, in his debut album Kuyimba 1.
On Sunday, the two brothers led the pack in arguably continuing with a journey they abandoned years ago by giving out a spirited performance.
From the stage set-up, equipment, to sound quality, the Wailing Brothers had everything in their lures.
Drummers are the heartbeat of every band, providing that driving beat that keeps the music together. In short, they are the keeper of the beat. Even on a normal day without an occasion, the sounding of the drum would draw a crowd of eager children longing to show off their dancing skills.
The man with a guitar was also lost in his instrument. Taku gave out a terrific performance and the more he strummed his lead guitar, the more he danced along with the audience as well as sing.
The main vocalist, Simbi, also tried to impress the audience with his voice. A couple of times he gave out harmonious vocals giving fans hope of how much of a promising talent he is. At times though, he was left wanting.
With the launch, the Wailing Brothers litmus test will be completed based on how Unfinished Project will fair on the market.
