When we talk about music in Malawi Alleluya Band cannot be left out. A Balaka based group which started 34 years ago and commemorating 10 years of international performance, launched their album “Malawi Woyee!!” in a grand style on 27th February, 2011 at Summit Cultural Centre in Lilongwe.
Andrew Galeta, Lucius Banda (in white shirt), Hon.Joseph Tembo and Hon Jimmy Mana
The launch was spiced up by guest artists like Symon & Kendall, Moses Makawa, Lulu and a former member of the group Lucius Banda, the owner of Zembani Band.
“Malawi Woyee!!” is different from the rest of the band’s albums. The 13 track album contains songs of different genres: “Salera chomcho” and “Wauka” are reggae; and “Malawi woyee” is in traditional Mganda dance. “Cartiamo la vita” is in English, Chichewa and Italian languages.
Honourables Jimmy Mana and Joseph Tembo, who were guests of honour at the launch, thanked Alleluya Band for promoting music and Culture in Malawi. Also present at the launch were the Director for Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust, Andrew Galeta, his deputy Ellen Nthenda and other officials.
Mike Kalindawalo from Falls Dudu said that he didn’t expect that Alleluya Band could come up with good songs like those in “Malawi Woyee”.
“I really appreciate their performance and there is a big future in this group,” said Mike, who also came with his family.
The group played several songs from their previous albums like “Tiyanjane” and “Malilime” before playing “Sindife madolo”, “Salera chomchi”, “Malawi Woyee” and many more from the new album. Malawi Woyee which is a title track for the album explains how peaceful and friendly Malawian people are.
Lucius Banda who is a former band member and the owner of Summit Cultural Centre said that he still thanks Alleluya Band because it is the group that made him popular.
“I am very happy that the group is still giving out the best and Alleluya is like a mother to me. Although I have my own Band I still salute Alleluya Band,” said Lucius.
Mphatso Kambwemba a woman from Chilinde said that inclusion of the new members who are youthful in the group has shown that the group has a big future.
The Band has now Sinos Chimanga Fisi, a bass guitarist and Hanleck Kalima a Vocal and Keyboardist. Both are sons of former members of Alleluya Band Foster Chimanga Fisi who was playing bass and Mathias Kalima who was playing drums and vocals respectively.
The first CD was bought at K75, 000 at auction by Lucius Banda, Honorable Jimmy Mana and Honorable Joseph Tembo who all are musicians.
Alleluya Band is also expected to have another at the Warehouse in Blantyre on 6th of March.
Alleluya Band Malawi 