By Alfred Njikho, Malawi Heat
His
music has been misinterpreted – many times. Banned on state broadcaster Malawi
Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and unbanned. But Blakjak, born Fatsan Michael Che-Kalonda,
hasn’t lost his grip. With a career spanning over thirteen years, the man has
remained himself – Malawi’s man of the moment.
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| Malawi's celebrated musician - Blackjack |
“It
all started with doing church plays, singing in the choir,” the Wadya Iwe
hit-maker told www.malawiheat.com.
He
is currently one of Malawi’s top urban musicians. Previously, he was very much associated with Nyasa Guruz – an urban music outfit he and his siblings formed – which has
gone silent for the last few years.
The
group was renowned for some its good numbers including Tumpale, Fisi, Nthawi and
Suzzie.
Asked
whether or not the group split up, Blackjack said “the group is still together.”
He
added: “Actually, we are currently working on our fourth album. We just took
our time to concentrate on personal developments.”
Apart
from being a musician, Blackjack – currently a darling of all Malawian youth
with his latest song Yes or No – is also an actor with Nanzikambe where he also
directs plays.
Looking
back at his career as a musician, he recalls having his songs banned from being
played on national radio - MBC.
“It
was a mere misunderstanding that led to the ban of my music,” he said. “People
at MBC radio station thought that I swear in my songs but after a thorough
research, they found out that I do not swear in my songs and started playing my
music again.”
Blackjack
said the biggest challenge he faces as a musician is piracy.
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| His music has been misinterpreted. |
“People
do not show support by buying original CDs - but rather engage in burning songs,”
he said.
But
he said to deal with the problem he makes sure he releases listener friendly
songs and does more performances.
He
also disclosed to www.malawiheat.com
that his latest single will be out on November 25, 2013. He couldn't say the
title of the single though.
Advice
to Malawi’s up-and-coming artists: “Work hard and be original.”
