A book by the current leader of Kalimba Band titled ‘Sometimes I Wonder’ which tells the untold story of Kalimba Band that conquered the world with their album Make Friends with the World was launched on Saturday night at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.
The colourful launch of the 174- page book also run together with the 40th anniversary celebration dinner at the venue where the band, was born.
Despite delaying to start, the event lived up to its billing with the audience reliving the memories of Kalimba Band of 1983 which was led by the late Griffin Mhango.
The night gave an opportunity to the audience to celebrate the original members of Kalimba Band most of which passed on with only a few remaining.
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Some of the remaining members, bassist Francis Chintembo and Keyboardist Stain Phiri could not make it to the event because of their condition.
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Vita’s book which touches on Kalimba Band’s early development stages, recording deal, breakthrough, rise to fame, glory, split and heartbreak among others, saw a number of people buy it during auction which was presided over by director of ceremonies Kelvin M’mangisa.
Guest of honour Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture James Chiusiwa bought the book at K100,000 despite receiving a copy earlier alongside other copies of President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice President Saulos Chilima.
“As a ministry, we would like to congratulate Vita Chirwa for launching this book and telling us the history of Kalimba Band. We need to document our stories,” Chiusiwa said.
Vita hailed people for turning up for the launch.
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“We needed to tell Kalimba’s story and I am happy that we now have the book,” he said.
With resources permitting, he said now that he has a book that is documenting the group’s story; he now wants to produce a film.
The Musicians Union of Malawi President took people down memory lane when he performed several of Kalimba Band’s pieces and he did not skip ‘Sometimes I Wonder’, which had the audience dancing and singing along.
He also had time to collaborate with Lulu in some of Kalimba’s songs on the night.
Former Attorney General Chikosa Silungwe also bought the book at K100,000 before collecting three more at K40,000 each whereas Lulu, who with his performance, rekindled memories of the late Bright Livewire Nkhata, who was part of Kalimba, also bought the book at K100,000.
Several other renowned people bought the book and they included veteran saxophonist Dan Sibale, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) Director General Daud Suleman, veteran producer Marvin Hanke and musician Nyandoro Nthenga.
