Clifton Mkwapatira in Madrid - Spain during this year's World Youth Day
Who is Clifton Mkwapatira?
I was born on 15th June,1976. I did my primary school in two different schools: Balaka and Mponda Full Primary Schools. Both are in Balaka. I only managed to reach Form one because of financial problems. I am a married man with four sons.
How did you start dancing in Alleluya Band?
It all started in 2005 when leaders of Alleluya Band announced at St. Louis Montfort Catholic Church that they wanted dancers to join the group. That time I was a member of St. Louis Montfort choir and I was dancing in the church during mass. I took this as a chance to join the group so that I can expose my talent to the world.
I was the lucky one to be chosen out of many who came for interviews.
What kind of interview was that?
We were asked to show all our different skills in dancing and we danced different types of genres like Reggae, Rhumba, Kwasakwasa and other traditional dances like Beni and Manganje.
What type of challenges have you faced since you started dancing?
Challenges are many as a lot of people think dancing is not a career for a wise and intelligent person. Some people regard us as useless which is not the true.
Since you started dancing, what have you benefited in this career?
I have managed to build a big house although it is not fully finished. This is one of my biggest achievement in life. I have also managed to setup a small grocery shop which is being run by my wife. This shop helps my wife when I am out of the country. For the six years I have been with Alleluya Band, I have learnt a lot like how to work together with different people and I have also travelled to different countries in Europe.
Who inspired you to have interest in dancing and what type of dancing style are you interested to acquire now?
Kanda Bongo Man from Zaire who was doing Kwasakwasa in those days and Koffi Olomide from Democratic Republic of Congo who was doing Dombolo really inspired me. My wish is to be dancing like Usher Raymond. Now I am still practicing his dancing styles.
What advise can you offer to those who want to be a good dancer like Clifton Mkwapatira?
For those who want to be a good dancer and take dancing as a career, they should forget what people say and focus ahead. Some people have a spirit of pulling others down. They should be doing some body exercises, practice some dancing styles and they have to make sure that their body is physically fit.
Who has been behind Clifton’s success?
Leaders of Alleluya Band and the founding trustee of Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust, Fr. Mario Pacifici have always been encouraging me to feel that I am part of the group. I really thank them for the encouragement.
Alleluya Band Malawi 