Old-timer Rabson Mpotandebvu from Chingalire in Lilongwe, who plays a unique traditional instrument known as Pango, will now be managed by art enthusiast Emmanuel Maliro.
Born in 1956, Mpotandebvu has lamented lack of support since he started playing the instrument, having learnt it from his father. On a mission of wanting to pass on the abilities to members of the current generation, the veteran musician is set to reach out to more people thanks to Maliro, who has supported many musicians, including Agorosso.
Maliro, who is outside the country, said on Tuesday that Mpotandebvu’s authenticity led him to take up the mantle of supporting him.
“Over the years, I have seen how much our industry has leaned towards sounds copied from elsewhere. Rabson stands out because he represents something we are slowly losing; raw, original Malawian sound,” he said.
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He said his self-made pango produces music that is spiritual and unique and that it reminds him of the days of legends such as Allan Namoko, Robert Fumulani, Tambala Chitenje and Michael Yekha. “So, working with Rabson is part of the efforts to revive and export a sound that truly belongs to us,” Maliro said. The first task starts with the artist debuting at this year’s Lake of Stars Festival, which is also going full throttle to promote traditional music.
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“The dream is to see Malawian artists such as Rabson sharing the stage with African greats such as Mali’s Salif Keita. I am happy with the traits made by groups such as Madalitso Band and Gasper Nali but we need more to conquer the world,” he said. Maliro said they wanted to apply for the artist to star at an international festival. Mankhamba, who is Village Headman Chingalire, hailed Maliro for coming out to support Mpotandebvu, having been impressed by Mpotandebvu’s performances through the videos he had posted.
“At the moment, we are busy branding him, preparing him for professional performances. I am working with him here, with all the support coming from Emmanuel Maliro,” he said. Mpotandebvu has had stints at Chingalire Cultural Centre. Pango is a traditional instrument known as bangwe and some of the well-known giants of the instruments include Chitenje and Limited Fungo.
