Peter Mawanga
Peter Mawanga one of Malawi’s home grown artists will be gracing the stage with his presence at this years festival. He has previously performed with the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi and Wambali Mkandawire. Peter’s music a fusion of Malawian instrumentation, jazz guitar, marimba rythms and singing in chichewa will bring a traditional yet soulfull vibe to this years festival.
Peter’s first fell in love with music at the age of 2 when he sang Amazing Grace in the middle of Harare airport (Zimbabwe) from then his uncle deemed him to be a great musician. He recorded his first album ‘Citylife’ in 2002 and released it under the name of ‘Peter Pine’ whilst studying engineering . His first single ‘Amakhala ku Blantyre’ touched upon the realities of urban vs rural living this was one of Peter’s most controversial singles as it created a series of response songs from other artists. He recorderd his second album in 2005 titles Zanga Zo Zama reverting back to his own name for this album this album which was a combination of traditional African rythms infused with modern instrumentation giving him world wide recognition.
In 2004 Peter started up Talents of the Malwian Child which involved mentoring and training orphaned and vulnerable children with a series of musical workshops. Resulting in Peter producing a series of albums with the children. He then formed his own band in 2007 Peter Mawanga and the Amaravi Movement.
Peter says ‘‘I love music that speaks to you before you even hear or understand the lyrics.’
Also check out Peter's Track which is the official track of Lake of Stars 2010
