Wambali’s enduring legacy, two years on!
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t its peak, the Covid-19 pandemic claimed a lot of lives. On January 31, 2021 it claimed the life of one of Malawi’s celebrated artists, Afro-jazz musician Mte Wambali Mkandawire.
Considering the influence he commanded both on the artistic and socio-political space, his death was received as a knife piercing through the flesh.
Tributes for the man many regarded as an idol and model in the game flowed.
Legendary musician Lucius Banda also weighed in with his own tribute. Then came a Wambali medley project led by the Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango, Willie Soko, Gresham Mokwena, Rudo Chakwera, Sam Shaba and Sangwani Munthali.
Two years after his death, fellow musicians have reflected on his ever-glowing legacy, with many describing him as a rare gem.
Collen Ali, who was part of Wambali’s Ma Nyasa Band which in 2006 toured Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi, said he remembers him for his standards which kept all who worked with him on their toes.
“His ability in sound arrangement was out of this world. His composition skills were another big strength. He pushed all of us to certain standards and in the end, we learnt a lot from him,” he said.
Banda said the world will never be the same without Wambali as he was a true definition of Malawian music. He said it pains that he never bid farewell to him as he was also bedridden at the time.
Banda said: “I remember him as my very good friend. He was older than me but we clicked very well. We loved each other. He inspired me a lot and I miss him.”
On his part, Mhango said Wambali’s absence is felt seriously among those who loved Afro-centric and Malawian traditional music. He said it is hard to forget that we had an icon that put Malawi on the map.
“We had plans to do projects together, but they never materialised because he departed early. He is gone yes, but his legacy will live forever,” he said.
Wambali’s manager Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba said Wambali had some songs that he never recorded.
Born on July 10 1952, Wambali came from Mlowe Village, Traditional Authority Mwamulowe in Rumphi.
He produced seven albums namely Ku Mtengo, Liberty and Calabash, Tidzamtamanda, Moto, Kavuluvulu, Up and Down The Shire and Zani Muone. The album Chipakato was released posthumously.
