Veteran singer and guitarist Ben Michael Mankhamba returns with live performances after being out of the limelight for some time.
Mankhamba, who is Village Head Chingalire, has not been active in terms of live performances but now, with support from Costen Customs and Clearing driven by former Musicians Association of Malawi (Mam) President Costen Mapemba, is determined to put his music back on track.
Mankhamba, who in the past years achieved great feats, performing in top international festivals and also dominated music competitions such as Kuchekuche and Malawi Gin, made a stop to live performances partly due to lack of support. He was frustrated.
But music will always be part of Mankhamba’s life and it is in this vein that he made a bold decision to return to the stage and continue with his music exploits.
“Old wine tastes better. Let’s reunite musically and see who is still energetic,” Mankhamba said.
He begins the live performances this weekend – starting off today at Club 24/7 in Blantyre.
His second show is tomorrow at Apatsa Motel in Lilongwe before winding up the weekend with a show at his base – Chingalire Cultural Centre in Lilongwe on Sunday.
“We are ready for countrywide tours. It’s been long but I ask people to give me support. I am working with a band, The Natural Mystic, that I have rehearsed with for some time,” Mankhamba said Thursday.
The other artists spicing up the three concerts include Rejected, Dan Chazama, Innocent Chitimbe and Lioness Madel.
Having released a new track recently titled ‘Pilato’, Mankhamba, famed for songs such as ‘Cassava’ ‘Moyo Wamtauni’ and ‘Kamba-anga Mwala’, said he would be releasing more new songs for the market.
“All the songs that people have enjoyed over the years; I have rehearsed them. This is a serious revival mission and we will keep building. Special thanks go to Costen Customs and clearing for the support. I have been saying all along that I was ready to come back on stage but I only needed someone to manage me,” he said.
