Artists who are part of the Sounds of Malawi record label project, which will see the creation of an album led by United States of America (USA) producer Harlan Steinberger, have lauded the initiative, saying it will open more opportunities for them.
Harlan, who recorded musician Keturah’s self-titled album in USA, has already started recording the album at Jacaranda Studios in Chigumula, Blantyre.
As of yesterday, artists he recorded included Eunice Kadzuwa Mhango, Nyago, Ben Mankhamba, Agorosso, Keturah, Lucky Stars Band led by Boniface Ndamera, Snowden Ibbu, Waliko Makhala, Goma Nyondo and Kukana Kuba Kasambwe Band.
Recording continues today, with artists such as Giddes Chalamanda and Chigo Nyasulu on the lineup.
“This is huge for the creative industry. Having worked with Harlan in my Keturah album, I am happy that we have another huge project. Things are opening up for Malawi music. I would like to thank Harlan Steinberger and his wife as well as Luc Deschamps and Marie Da Silva for initiating all this,” the ‘Chiwewe’ star said yesterday during her session.
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Agorosso, whose session came after Keturah’s, said the project would promote Malawi music in the world.
“We need more of these projects. For a long time, music in particular and art in general have been sidelined. As such, having a project like this makes me smile,” the ‘Folly’ creator said.
Mankhamba said recently that he had a good time with Harlan and that he enjoyed his session.
“The producer and me had time to discuss other musical issues, especially the issue of recording traditional instrument players such as Mpotandebvu, who plays the pango,” the singer and guitarist said.
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Harlan, who is working with local acts such as Dan Khoviwa and Blessings Gondwe, said they have made progress in recording, adding that, by yesterday, they had recorded five albums.
“We have done a lot more than I thought. I am happy with the artist’s work rate in the studio. They are doing so much and I am also learning a lot in the process. This is rich and authentic music that the world needs to sample,” he said.
He said the project was also crucial in documenting both audio and video material that will be used now and in the future.
Luc Deschamps, who is Jacaranda Cultural Centre Director, said they were happy with the strides that Sounds of Malawi Acoustic Session has made this far.
“The support that people have been giving us through the Sounds of Malawi Acoustic sessions is huge and now the record label is the fruit of it. We hope to do more and this is all about putting our Malawian artists on top,” Deschamps said.
