The current leader of Kalimba Band, Vita Chirwa, who is also Musicians Union of Malawi (Mawu) President, said Monday that he was happy to have published a book detailing accounts of the original Kalimba of 1983.
The book will be launched on Saturday at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe during Kalimba Band’s 40th anniversary celebration dinner.
“The book is a detailed account of Kalimba (Class of 1983), a local band that turned international and conquered the world. It covers the group’s genesis, early developmental stages, metamorphosis, recording, breakthrough, fame, glory and the memories of too many rains ago,” Chirwa said.
He further said that the book has a foreword written by Peter Makossah while the subsequent chapters cover Kalimba Band’s humble beginnings and the build up to their breakthrough, exploits, split and memories.
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“Up to 11 of some of Malawi’s personalities namely Marvin Hanke, Ambassador Dr Benson Tembo, Mahara Mhango, Erik Paliani, Lulu, Bright Sonani, Linda Mtegha, Kondwani Sauti Phiri, Hastings Chatsika, Jai Banda and Dannie Grant Phiri pour their praises and bear witness to everything I said in the book,” Chirwa said.
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He said it was important for people to know Malawi’s music history as well as where Kalimba was coming from.
“The past can act as our guide to help us get to where we want to be. For instance, in the 1980s, Malawi had so many favourable bands as far as I can remember and they included Truetones, New Scene, Muzipasi, Love Aquarius, Likhubula River Jazz Band and Sounds Pentagon,” Chirwa said.
He hailed various players for their support ahead of the celebration, which will see the current Kalimba sharing the stage with Lulu, with comedy and poetry also part of the bill.
“I know there are a number of other events on the same day but this celebration is different. It will be done in a dinner setup,” Chirwa said.
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The veteran artist recently released two singles namely ‘Amwene’ and ‘Aise’ ahead of the book launch and anniversary gala dinner.
He said the singles form part of the 40th anniversary compilation CD featuring Kalimba’s defining songs from 1983 to 2023, which will be available for sale at the book launch and celebration dinner.
“We are holding the event at Sunbird Capital owing to the strong historical connection between Kalimba and the hotel. As you may recall, Kalimba was formed specifically to become Capital Hotel’s Resident Band. Before the hotel opened its doors in 1976, they advertised in The Daily Times that they were searching for a musical group to entertain their valued guests,” he said.
Chirwa said that Nassau Mkukupha quickly assembled a team of young and talented musicians, including Griffin Mhango, Francis Chintembo and others, to form Kalimba.
