Malawi Music

I just got back from a gig by a young Malawian musician called George Kalukusha. Born into the World's poorest country, George then suffered further misfortune when his family relocated to Milton Keynes, probably England's ugliest town. I jest of course: Malawi isn't actually the World's poorest country.

I've always enjoyed 'African' music, though most of the African artists that make it in the West are either from the Tuareg tradition (like Ali Farka Toure, or more recently Songhoy Blues) or are bringing R&B and hip-hop from Nigeria and South Africa. In other words, there are rich, untapped seams of African music that we just don't get to hear in the West.

Music is a massive part of Malawian life. People here love to sing, and they love to dance. Malawi has a rich musical past and a thriving current scene. It's annual music festival - Lake of Stars - attracts musicians from across the region, and across the globe. I can't claim to have delved too deeply into Malawi's musical heritage, but I've picked up a few favourites during my time here; for their completely insane music videos if nothing else...

Lawrence Mbenjere - Sin'dziwa



Wambala Mkandawire - Nkhondo Mkhondo



Thocco Katimba - Mwasintha Nyengo Zanga



Neil and the New Vibration - Used to Be (album available for free here)



If you're interested in finding out more about Malawian music, there are a couple of great articles on the 'Music Time in Africa' blog, part of the Voice of America network. The first (from 2008) looks back at Malawi's musical past, while the second (from 2014) focuses on its current crop of promising musicians, including George. The 'Music from Malawi' site is another great resource, containing a directory of Malawian artists, new and old, and an archive of downloadable songs. Check out Robert Fumulani's 'Patricia', which is something really special.

Finally, returning to George, whose soulful music understandably reflects the deprivation and suffering that only those who've been to Milton Keynes can really understand. George is a great guy, with a fantastic voice, who's planning a UK tour in the not too distant future. His tracks are available on iTunes, Spotify and bandcamp, and you can follow his comings and goings on his Facebook page.