Samaita takes new album to Malawi
MUTARE-BASED sungura musician Brian Samaita is in Malawi where has been performing over the Easter holiday with the hope of marketing his latest album titled Kwaive Kusaziva.
The five-track album, which is the guitar virtuoso’s seventh project, was released last Monday.
Samaita left the country for Malawi on Thursday to perform at two private functions for highprofile families, including an Easter crusade convened by the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church led by Prophet Shepherd Bushiri.
“I was invited to perform at two private functions in Malawi, one involving the family of a Cabinet minister whose daughter is wedding. I have another function where I am expected to perform and I will also be performing at our church's Easter crusade presided over by Major 1 [Bushiri],” Samaita said.
“Normally, I don’t do public shows, but I thrive on these private functions. It’s something that I have been doing over the years and it’s paying off, moreso during these days of Covid-19 and its restrictions. I am happy with this kind of arrangement because I have managed to sustain myself as a musician, which many are failing to do.”
The artiste, whose music is more popular outside the country, especially in Mozambique, said he would take the opportunity to market his latest offering in Malawi.
“The trip in Malawi presents me an opportunity to publicise my new album Kwaive Kusaziva. I will play some of the songs from the album and sell the CDs wherever I perform. My music is popular in Malawi and Mozambique, so this is the time to market the new songs,” he said.
Samaita enlisted the services of veteran producer Bothwell “African” Nyamhondera for the latest album that was recorded at Trutone Studios.
On the album, Utakataka Express members Evidence “Jahwi” Tarabuku plays the lead guitar, while Spencer “Boltcutter” Khumulani and Mathew Perego play the bass and rhythm guitars, respectively.
Songs on the album are Wandaivimba Naye, Tauya Kuzomutenda, Misikidzo, Kwaive Kusaziva and Shinga.
Samaita’s previous albums include Nemiwo Munazvo (2012), Murodzi Wepfungwa (2014), Tsono (2016), Kumazivandadzoka (2017), Rinoonekwa Nemavanga (2018) and Ndafunga Dembo (2019).
Armed with a philanthropic award, Samaita is now bornagain and is a senior member of the ECG.