The Unsung Genius of African Music

In a just world, Nigeria's "Gentleman" Mike Ejeagha would be considered one of the giants of African music, accorded the same respect as, say, Congo's Franco or Tanzania's Mbaraka Mwinshehe. As it is, he is barely recognized in his own country, such is his intimate connection to the folklore and culture of his native Enugu. But make no mistake - among the Igbo people Ejeagha is a colossus indeed. His lyrics are full of the parables & shaded meanings that are the essence of Igbo culture. His arrangements & guitar work, in addition, are sublime.

Ejeagha was born August 1932 in Imezi Owa, Eziagu LGA, present-day Enugu State, and learned to play guitar from two fellow residents of the coal-mining camps of Enugu, Moses "Moscow" Aduba and Cyprian Uzochiawa. Around the age of 18, he formed his first musical group, the Merry Makers. Soon he was performing and producing for Nigeria Broadcasting Services, and later joined the Paradise Rhythm Orchestra, a group owned by an Enugu hotelier, and the Leisure Gardens Dance Band. He founded the Rhythm Dandies in 1964, which later changed its name to the Premiers Dance Band. The group was forced to disperse during the Biafran war of independence in the late '60s, but reformed after hostilities ended in 1970.

Since the early 1970s, Mike Ejeagha's musical explorations of Igbo folklore have earned him a much-beloved place in the pantheon of modern Igbo highlife music. Some years ago I posted a discography of his recordings, which my friend Maurice O. Ene circulated among his acquaintances, eliciting these heartfelt comments:

"Let me begin by telling you that I am relieved to know that someone is considering to do a discographic project on the works of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. I almost wrote my University of Nigeria BA thesis on Ejeagha. But, . . . well, that is a long story I'd rather not tell. To cut it short, I have a modest collection of Oga Ejeagha's songs on tapes. I also have some of his records, including Onye Nwe Ona Ebe, Onye Enwero Ana Ebe (POLP 057) and Akuko N'egwu (POLP 094). Ejeagha's music belongs to a genre of music that I call Igbo Popular Traditional as opposed to Igbo Popular Commercial. The latter to which most highlife music belongs is less faithful to Igbo tradition. That is all I can say about that for now." - JAK.

"I grew up (sort of) with Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. My father, a "master" of the Bachata guitar, taught Mike Ejeagha how to play the guitar - that is, the Spanish Guitar (so I'm told). As a four or five year old, I used to "hang out" with and enjoy them playing together for the "house" at their favorite beer joint on Gunning (Hill?) Road, Abakaliki, enjoying the free time my dad had just shortly after the Nwa-Iboko Obodo trials (my dad was one of the judges on the case at the Abakaliki High Court). Mike Ejeagha visited Abakaliki regularly in those days, spending much time with my dad as they investigated their musical interests together - for both of them it was more of a hobby than anything else. It wasn't until the middle of the sixties that Gentleman Ejeagha was talked into considering music as a profession. In the seventies, when he had become an icon of Igbo folk music, I used to visit with him at Enugu, and listen to him think out loud on the ideas he had of making Igbo folk music larger than life..." - Obi Taiwan

"The Gentleman is a very unique musician. He has been playing for a long time. He used to come and play in Ihe during Christmas festivities. I was only a kid then, but I remember some of his early tunes, 'Okuku Kwaa Uche Echebe Onye Ugwo,' 'King Solomon's Wisdom' and others. I believe these were some of his first songs... He is a phenomenal Musician and an exceptional guitarist. I am not sure he has played any thing recently, but he is still alive and well. Unfortunately, when I inquired about him last time, I was informed that he suffered glaucoma and is clinically blind. I cannot confirm this news yet, and until I do, I refuse to believe that it is true." - Hygi Chukwu

I present here a selection of tunes from several of Ejeagha's albums, with translations by my wife Priscilla Nwakaego. "Yoba Chineke" ("Pray to God") from the LP Ude Egbunam (Philips 6361 074, 1974) is a popular gospel tune in Nigeria. The chorus, "Yoba Chineke, chekwube Chineke, yoba Chineke, ogaazo yi" means "Pray to God, put your hope in God, pray to God, He will save you." Ejeagha sings, "Jesus come and hear our voice. Father who created this world, we your children are calling to you to ask for your help. Have mercy and answer our prayers." He calls on listeners to pray to Chineke (God) every morning and night:

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & his Premiers Dance Band - Yoba Chineke

Another song from Ude Egbunam, "Nyelu Nwa Ogbenye Aka," calls on listeners, "Always Try to Help the Poor." Ejeagha states that the poor do all the hard work in the community, and asks if there is anything that happens that they do not play a part in?

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & his Premiers Dance Band - Nyelu Nwa Ogbenye Aka

"Ikpechakwaa Kam Kpee," from 1975's Onye Ndidi (Philips 6361 110) is one of those Igbo folk songs, riddled with allegory, that almost defy literal translation. The title means "After you tell your side, let me tell my side." Ejeagha sings "Do not let the ngene [a wild animal] impugn my good name." He sings that he saw Ngene grazing on on the turf of Eleh (a deer), but that Ngene lied to Eleh about him, turning him against Ejeagha. In the spoken interlude Ejeagha says, "After the child tells his side, listen to the mother's side," and sings, "When the elephant goes, when mgbadu goes, when my turn came I didn't get what I wanted." The chorus is "Ajabula aja o ma nkwe kwa mee" - "I'm not going to let that happen."

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & his Premiers Dance Band - Ikpechakwaa Kam Kpee

"Obiako Nnwam (Omenani No. 2)" from Akuko Na Egwu Vol. 1 (Polydor POLP 009, 1976) concerns a great chief and his conflict with his oldest son, Obiako. The chief has come to hate Obiako's mother so much that he can't even stand the sound of her voice. In return Obiako has come to resent his father so much that he has grabbed his igene (the staff that is the source of the chief's status and power) and is threatening to shatter it. The chorus:

Obiako obi nnwam,

Ngekene m igene mu,

Igene mu ji agba mgba

Obulu na be mmuo igene mu na akpa ike ya,

Obulu na be mmadu igene mu na akpa ike ya

means, "Obiako my son, give me back my igene. Even in the land of the dead it is very powerful. Even in the land of the living it is very powerful." Obiako does not understand how his father can hate his mother so much, but his father knows that if Obiako breaks the igene, he himself will die. He gathers the village together to beg him not to break the igene, but Obiako breaks it and dies. The "Omenani" in the title means Igbo folklore.

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & his Premiers Dance Band - Obiako Nnwam (Omenani No. 2)

"Udo Kan Mma," also from Akuko Na Egwu Vol. 1, means "Peace is Better." Ejeagha sings, "Peace is more beautiful. Sibling should not hurt sibling. Friends must not seek to hurt friends. Children of the dead should not hurt children of the living. A wife should not hurt her husband (& vice versa)."

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & his Premiers Dance Band - Udo Kan Mma

"Onye Nwe Ona Ebe, Onye Enwero Ana Ebe (The Haves Complain, and the Have-Nots Also Complain)" from the 1982 LP Onye Nwe Ona Ebe, Onye Enwero Ana Ebe (Polydor POLP 057) is notable not only for its brilliant guitar work but for its wry social commentary. Ejeagha sings that people with children complain about the trouble they bring, while people who can't have children beg God for any progeny at all. A healthy person complains, but a sickly person wishes for health. Some people say that money is trouble, others say that money doesn't complete a household, while still others say that health is worth more than wealth (ndu ka aku).

"Uche bu akpa onye kolu nke ya, (Ogaba) (ona aga)." In other words, thoughts are like a handbag (akpa). To each their own, and you cannot read someone's mind.

Ejeagha sings that the haves complain that guarding their money is too much trouble, while the have-nots say that their worldly troubles are too much to bear. Healthy people complain that God didn't give them wealth, while the sick pray for health instead of money. He asks, "My friends, do you see how the world is? Nobody is happy where they are."

Finally Ejeagha relates the tale of a wise, wealthy chief, and a poor man who was once well-to-do. The poor man spends his days looking at the chief and his affluent friends, wishing to be like them. The chief remembers that the poor man had once been wealthy himself and had spent much of his riches on those less fortunate, and gives him a big bag of money as a reward.

Soon the formerly-poor man returns the money to the chief, saying "Since you gave me this money I can't sleep, nor eat, nor sit down and rest for worrying that someone will steal my money." The song praises the chief for his great wisdom:

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & his Premiers Dance Band - Onye Nwe Ona Ebe, Onye Enwero Ana Ebe

"Praise my good deeds while I'm alive," is the meaning of "Ja'am Mma na Ndu" from the 1983 album of the same name ( Polydor POLP 100). This would seem to allude to the practice of having elaborate funerals for the deceased. Ejeagha sings, "If you love me, show it while I'm alive. Give me something when I'm alive, not when I'm dead. My mouth speaks what I see. I tell the truth and the truth is bitter":

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & his Premiers Dance Band - Ja'am Mma Na Ndu

Download these songs as a zipped file here.

Thanks once again to my wife Priscilla Nwakaego for her translations, and thanks to Gilbert Hsiao for sending me a rip of Ude Egbunam many years ago. In a future post I will be discussing "Akuko n'Egwu Original," a series of recordings Ejeagha made for Anambra State Broadcasting in the 1980s. If you enjoy the music I've posted here, I would encourage you to check out some of Ejeagha's other recordings, which are available from My African Bargains. Much of the biographical information in this post is taken from "Life at Old Age is Quite Enjoyable," an interview by Nwagbo Nnenyelike which appeared in The Sun of Lagos, Nigeria on October 15, 2004.

New Design 31102010

neh yang baru klo mau langsung za kontak kita,...

New Design 31102010

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Design for sale,.. T-shirt FreeView

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Baru neh Dri temen Gua,,.. Klo loe pada minat loe semua bisa langsung dah Tawar menawar,. Harga pas tancap gas,..wkwkwkwkwk.....  loe-Loe pada  bisa langsung check dah di Facebook nya Temen Gua..

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Baru neh Dri temen Gua,,.. Klo loe pada minat loe semua bisa langsung dah Tawar menawar,. Harga pas tancap gas,..wkwkwkwkwk.....  loe-Loe pada  bisa langsung check dah di Facebook nya Temen Gua..

Neh FB nya : "Nysroghul Verdelet"

Unique international and Malawian collaboration is the highlight at the best ever vinspired Lake of Stars Festival

The vinspired Lake of Stars Festival closed an amazing three sun-filled days of music, arts and culture with an inspiring acoustic collaboration between festival headliner Noisettes, Limbe-based Jacaranda School Choir and up and coming Malawian talent, Chiozo.

Performing on the intimate beach stage, Noisette’s frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa wowed the crowd getting up, close and personal with festival-goers. However it was their collaboration with the next generation of Malawian artists that moved the audience.

Festival Founder Will Jameson says that this year’s festival saw a record number of artist collaborations including traditional Malawian musicians (showcased by the Clay Diamond Project) performing alongside UK indie act Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly on the main stage.

“Noisettes also invited international headliners Zimbabwean-born Tinashé and UK-Nigerian Afrikan Boy to the main stage during their incredible Saturday night set, creating some of the festival’s most memorable moments,” says Jameson.

This year’s festival featured the best line-up yet, with more than 50 Malawian acts and over 20 artists from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Australia, Burundi and the UK, giving the 3000-strong audience a weekend of foot-stomping, soul-cleansing entertainment.

“There were so many great moments, however one of the weekend’s highlights was Oliver Mtukudzi’s performance on Friday night. Widely regarded as one of the most important performers in Africa’s history, Mtukudzi gave a lively performance introducing a new generation of people to his music,” says Jameson.

Festival Coordinator Kimba Mutanda adds that a strong contingent of Malawian acts featured at this year’s event showcasing the depth of talent in Malawian arts and culture. Headliners included Peter Mawanga, Sally Nyundo, Lawrence Mbenjere, Agorosso, Mafilika and Dan Lu.

“Some highlights for me were the Burundi Drummers who gave festival-goers a flavour of their traditional music. We were also fortunate to have a spectacular flying visit from the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dr Ken Lipenga, who parachuted onto the beach to officially open the festival,” says Mutanda.

Festival Director Tom Porter says that this year we are particularly proud of the engagement and support from the local community of Chipoka and Mangochi, who participated in many of the activities which took place around the festival.

“In Chipoka we hosted a football and netball competition, hearing clinic (sponsored by Access Communications) and visits to the MOET School for Orphans. The importance of the festival was recognised by it being chosen for an exclusive preview screening of major new film, Africa United, which was shown on Sunday night.

“Last year we reached more than 24 million people through international media coverage, this year we expect to beat that with CNN, BBC, Marie Claire, Company and the UK Guardian and Independent newspapers all covering the festival.

“We were also fortunate to have strong representation from the local media as well as facilitating Monkey Bay-based Dzimwe Community Radio’s live broadcast from the festival. We thank our all of our colleagues in the media for their continuing support of the festival,” says Porter.

In its seventh year, the vinspired Lake of Stars Festival project relied on more than 300 Malawian and UK staff, volunteers and supporters who have given their time and services - for a reduced fee or, in many cases, for free.

We would like to thank all of our partners in Malawi and the UK including vinspired, Kenya Airways, Access, Gecko Lounge, Wickerman Festival, DHL, Funktion1, Audile, Studiocare, Skyband, Barlow World, Wellspring, Alternative Marketing, Capital Radio, Daily Times, Mabuya Camp, French Cultural Centre, STS, Comic Relief, Pathe International, British Council (The Selector Show), Brentwood, Wilderness Safaris, Puma, The Book Bus, Sunbird, The Ministry of Tourism, Zain, STA Travel, The Big Issue, UK Malawi Association, Malawi Tourism Marketing Consortium, Dzimwe Community Radio, Art Moves Africa, Beatnik PR, Tandem PR, Audiofarm, Globe Jam, Mercy Design, Music Crossroads and many more.

For more images, visit http://www.lakeofstars.org/los-photographers.html. Photography by Steve McInerny, Sam Colman and Regina Teichs.

Unique international and Malawian collaboration is the highlight at the best ever vinspired Lake of Stars Festival

The vinspired Lake of Stars Festival closed an amazing three sun-filled days of music, arts and culture with an inspiring acoustic collaboration between festival headliner Noisettes, Limbe-based Jacaranda School Choir and up and coming Malawian talent, Chiozo.

Performing on the intimate beach stage, Noisette’s frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa wowed the crowd getting up, close and personal with festival-goers. However it was their collaboration with the next generation of Malawian artists that moved the audience.

Festival Founder Will Jameson says that this year’s festival saw a record number of artist collaborations including traditional Malawian musicians (showcased by the Clay Diamond Project) performing alongside UK indie act Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly on the main stage.

“Noisettes also invited international headliners Zimbabwean-born Tinashé and UK-Nigerian Afrikan Boy to the main stage during their incredible Saturday night set, creating some of the festival’s most memorable moments,” says Jameson.

This year’s festival featured the best line-up yet, with more than 50 Malawian acts and over 20 artists from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Australia, Burundi and the UK, giving the 3000-strong audience a weekend of foot-stomping, soul-cleansing entertainment.

“There were so many great moments, however one of the weekend’s highlights was Oliver Mtukudzi’s performance on Friday night. Widely regarded as one of the most important performers in Africa’s history, Mtukudzi gave a lively performance introducing a new generation of people to his music,” says Jameson.

Festival Coordinator Kimba Mutanda adds that a strong contingent of Malawian acts featured at this year’s event showcasing the depth of talent in Malawian arts and culture. Headliners included Peter Mawanga, Sally Nyundo, Lawrence Mbenjere, Agorosso, Mafilika and Dan Lu.

“Some highlights for me were the Burundi Drummers who gave festival-goers a flavour of their traditional music. We were also fortunate to have a spectacular flying visit from the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dr Ken Lipenga, who parachuted onto the beach to officially open the festival,” says Mutanda.

Festival Director Tom Porter says that this year we are particularly proud of the engagement and support from the local community of Chipoka and Mangochi, who participated in many of the activities which took place around the festival.

“In Chipoka we hosted a football and netball competition, hearing clinic (sponsored by Access Communications) and visits to the MOET School for Orphans. The importance of the festival was recognised by it being chosen for an exclusive preview screening of major new film, Africa United, which was shown on Sunday night.

“Last year we reached more than 24 million people through international media coverage, this year we expect to beat that with CNN, BBC, Marie Claire, Company and the UK Guardian and Independent newspapers all covering the festival.

“We were also fortunate to have strong representation from the local media as well as facilitating Monkey Bay-based Dzimwe Community Radio’s live broadcast from the festival. We thank our all of our colleagues in the media for their continuing support of the festival,” says Porter.

In its seventh year, the vinspired Lake of Stars Festival project relied on more than 300 Malawian and UK staff, volunteers and supporters who have given their time and services - for a reduced fee or, in many cases, for free.

We would like to thank all of our partners in Malawi and the UK including vinspired, Kenya Airways, Access, Gecko Lounge, Wickerman Festival, DHL, Funktion1, Audile, Studiocare, Skyband, Barlow World, Wellspring, Alternative Marketing, Capital Radio, Daily Times, Mabuya Camp, French Cultural Centre, STS, Comic Relief, Pathe International, British Council (The Selector Show), Brentwood, Wilderness Safaris, Puma, The Book Bus, Sunbird, The Ministry of Tourism, Zain, STA Travel, The Big Issue, UK Malawi Association, Malawi Tourism Marketing Consortium, Dzimwe Community Radio, Art Moves Africa, Beatnik PR, Tandem PR, Audiofarm, Globe Jam, Mercy Design, Music Crossroads and many more.

For more images, visit http://www.lakeofstars.org/los-photographers.html. Photography by Steve McInerny, Sam Colman and Regina Teichs.

Audio Farm join forces with vinspired Lake of Stars for a night to remember

So the festival may be all over for another year, but before you let the post-festival blues sink in, there’s plenty still going on in the UK to keep the party going. So instead of cranking up your radiator to 45 degrees, whacking on a vest and blaring out Noisettes tracks in your bedroom till the early hours, why not check out our upcoming gigs that will bring the Lake of Stars spirit straight to your doorstep!?

One such Lake of Stars event, that promises to blow the socks off its attendees, is our good friends, Audio Farm's Manchester Party 'Farmival' on October 29th. With over 1000 people expected, 3 floors of music, life sized animals and a chat roulette room this is an event certainly not to be missed!

We caught up with the mischievous marauders of music to find out a little bit more about their ‘magically mystical fete’ and their association with Lake of Stars.

Tell us a bit about Audio Farm and what you guys do?

At Audio Farm as well as putting on some of the biggest names in electronic music we try and make the night that extra bit unusual with the way we dress the club up with strange decor, performers, interactive weird games and stalls, combining this with the music of the artists which we book and the people who come to the farm, we believe it creates an atmosphere that is pretty dam special!

How did you first hear about vinspired Lake of Stars? and how did you get involved?

We had heard of Lake of Stars for some time from nights we had seen in Liverpool, but didn't realise it was a festival in Malawi until about 18months ago, when a close friend told us about it and put is in touch with the organisers, from doing a bit of research on the festival we knew we would love to get involved with it and that came true for when we DJ'd at Lake Of Stars 2009.

What was your experience of the vinspired Lake of Stars festival last year?

Absolutely mind blowing! Just being in Malawi itself was pure amazing but to be at a festival as well, well it can't be beaten! The people, the place, the atmosphere.

Did you volunteer to play the festival for free?

Yep we funded ourselves to get 4 of us there and we also raised some money to help the festival from an event we did in September 09.

Why do you think it’s important for young people to volunteer?

Amazing things would not happen without all types of volunteers!


And now you’re putting on a quite incredible event in association with vinspired Lake of Stars, cunningly named Farmival! How did this come about?

Well as this event was so close to this years lake of stars, we realised it would pretty impossible for us to go to Lake of Stars this year! So we though the next best thing would be to get the Lake of stars spirit down to the Farmival!

Can you tell us what we are to expect from the night?

Something pretty different! And lots of good music :)

And what are you most excited about?

Seeing what people come dressed up and seeing people who have been to the zombie station! (A strange stall, all will be revealed!)

Audio Farm join forces with vinspired Lake of Stars for a night to remember

So the festival may be all over for another year, but before you let the post-festival blues sink in, there’s plenty still going on in the UK to keep the party going. So instead of cranking up your radiator to 45 degrees, whacking on a vest and blaring out Noisettes tracks in your bedroom till the early hours, why not check out our upcoming gigs that will bring the Lake of Stars spirit straight to your doorstep!?

One such Lake of Stars event, that promises to blow the socks off its attendees, is our good friends, Audio Farm's Manchester Party 'Farmival' on October 29th. With over 1000 people expected, 3 floors of music, life sized animals and a chat roulette room this is an event certainly not to be missed!

We caught up with the mischievous marauders of music to find out a little bit more about their ‘magically mystical fete’ and their association with Lake of Stars.

Tell us a bit about Audio Farm and what you guys do?

At Audio Farm as well as putting on some of the biggest names in electronic music we try and make the night that extra bit unusual with the way we dress the club up with strange decor, performers, interactive weird games and stalls, combining this with the music of the artists which we book and the people who come to the farm, we believe it creates an atmosphere that is pretty dam special!

How did you first hear about vinspired Lake of Stars? and how did you get involved?

We had heard of Lake of Stars for some time from nights we had seen in Liverpool, but didn't realise it was a festival in Malawi until about 18months ago, when a close friend told us about it and put is in touch with the organisers, from doing a bit of research on the festival we knew we would love to get involved with it and that came true for when we DJ'd at Lake Of Stars 2009.

What was your experience of the vinspired Lake of Stars festival last year?

Absolutely mind blowing! Just being in Malawi itself was pure amazing but to be at a festival as well, well it can't be beaten! The people, the place, the atmosphere.

Did you volunteer to play the festival for free?

Yep we funded ourselves to get 4 of us there and we also raised some money to help the festival from an event we did in September 09.

Why do you think it’s important for young people to volunteer?

Amazing things would not happen without all types of volunteers!


And now you’re putting on a quite incredible event in association with vinspired Lake of Stars, cunningly named Farmival! How did this come about?

Well as this event was so close to this years lake of stars, we realised it would pretty impossible for us to go to Lake of Stars this year! So we though the next best thing would be to get the Lake of stars spirit down to the Farmival!

Can you tell us what we are to expect from the night?

Something pretty different! And lots of good music :)

And what are you most excited about?

Seeing what people come dressed up and seeing people who have been to the zombie station! (A strange stall, all will be revealed!)

New edited 22102010

New edited 22102010

Trident Perpetual Festival gives vinspired Lake of Stars a glowing review

Music journalist Katie P has been travelling around the globe on a trip that will last 30 weeks as part of the Trident Perpetual Festival. By the end of the tour, Katie will have attended 30 festivals. One might suspect that by this stage she would have got tired of all the festival action but if her video diary is anything to go by, Katie's time in the 'Warm Heart of Africa' was one of the best weekend's she's had yet. Check out her tour diary below to see how great this year's festival was.



Also click here to read Katie's blog which she updated with photos and posts throughout the weekend.

For more info on Trident Perpetual Festival click here.

Trident Perpetual Festival gives vinspired Lake of Stars a glowing review

Music journalist Katie P has been travelling around the globe on a trip that will last 30 weeks as part of the Trident Perpetual Festival. By the end of the tour, Katie will have attended 30 festivals. One might suspect that by this stage she would have got tired of all the festival action but if her video diary is anything to go by, Katie's time in the 'Warm Heart of Africa' was one of the best weekend's she's had yet. Check out her tour diary below to see how great this year's festival was.



Also click here to read Katie's blog which she updated with photos and posts throughout the weekend.

For more info on Trident Perpetual Festival click here.

New Design 19102010

New Design 19102010

New Design 19102010

New Design 19102010

New Design 19102010

This is a new sample Design of KROFF Band new Cover

New Design 19102010

This is a new sample Design of KROFF Band new Cover

vinspired Lake of Stars is now affiliated with Access

vinspired Lake of Stars is proud to announce that it is now working alongside Access. Access is a new telecommunications operator in Malawi, which is focusing on providing simplified and affordable solutions primarily to both corporate and residential users. The company rolled out its services in May 2010 and is continuing to expand its network throughout Malawi. Access has partnered with the College of Medicine to run the HARK Mobile Clinic, which aims to treat children with hearing impairments. The project was initiated by Dr. Wakisa Mulwafu, Malawi’s only ENT surgeon, who received the mobile clinic as a donation from the University of Cape Town. Access has adopted the HARK Mobile Clinic as its corporate social responsibility initiative and will be launching the project at the Lake of Stars Outreach Day. As a company that promotes communication and interaction Access saw the importance of getting involved in the project for the following reasons:

* An estimated 4% of children and adults in Malawi are hearing impaired as a result of untreated or inadequately treated ear conditions, many of which are potentially preventable.

* People with hearing impairment find themselves in a disability-poverty-cycle and they find it very difficult if not impossible to escape without support. They have great needs in terms of access to social life, education, training, information, job opportunities and quality of life in general, and can be regarded as being amongst the poorest of the poor.

* Deafness, chronic ear disease and hearing impairment significantly attribute to the level of poverty and the suffering of individuals and families in Malawi. The negative affects manifest in various ways:

- In infants language, speech and intellectual development is inhibited.

- In school, a child's learning is affected and their scholastic development limited

- In adults skills, development is affected and that often leads to unemployment and an inability for people to care for themselves, their families and communities;

- In families, parents and family members often struggle to communicate with children and adults with a hearing loss and therefore, they have very little understanding of the personal and social needs of their people who are hearing impaired.

Access will be contributing to alleviating these problems by ensuring that the HARK Clinic is equipped to carry out its objectives, which are:

* To identify and offer medical treatment to children with ear disorders.

* To sensitise and train health workers at districts on primary ear and hearing care.

* To conduct basic research on ear and hearing disorders in Malawi.

For more info on Access click here.

vinspired Lake of Stars is now affiliated with Access

vinspired Lake of Stars is proud to announce that it is now working alongside Access. Access is a new telecommunications operator in Malawi, which is focusing on providing simplified and affordable solutions primarily to both corporate and residential users. The company rolled out its services in May 2010 and is continuing to expand its network throughout Malawi. Access has partnered with the College of Medicine to run the HARK Mobile Clinic, which aims to treat children with hearing impairments. The project was initiated by Dr. Wakisa Mulwafu, Malawi’s only ENT surgeon, who received the mobile clinic as a donation from the University of Cape Town. Access has adopted the HARK Mobile Clinic as its corporate social responsibility initiative and will be launching the project at the Lake of Stars Outreach Day. As a company that promotes communication and interaction Access saw the importance of getting involved in the project for the following reasons:

* An estimated 4% of children and adults in Malawi are hearing impaired as a result of untreated or inadequately treated ear conditions, many of which are potentially preventable.

* People with hearing impairment find themselves in a disability-poverty-cycle and they find it very difficult if not impossible to escape without support. They have great needs in terms of access to social life, education, training, information, job opportunities and quality of life in general, and can be regarded as being amongst the poorest of the poor.

* Deafness, chronic ear disease and hearing impairment significantly attribute to the level of poverty and the suffering of individuals and families in Malawi. The negative affects manifest in various ways:

- In infants language, speech and intellectual development is inhibited.

- In school, a child's learning is affected and their scholastic development limited

- In adults skills, development is affected and that often leads to unemployment and an inability for people to care for themselves, their families and communities;

- In families, parents and family members often struggle to communicate with children and adults with a hearing loss and therefore, they have very little understanding of the personal and social needs of their people who are hearing impaired.

Access will be contributing to alleviating these problems by ensuring that the HARK Clinic is equipped to carry out its objectives, which are:

* To identify and offer medical treatment to children with ear disorders.

* To sensitise and train health workers at districts on primary ear and hearing care.

* To conduct basic research on ear and hearing disorders in Malawi.

For more info on Access click here.

Lake Malawi

One of the most enjoyable things about the Lake of Stars festival is its location. A ticket to the festival means access to the Great Lake in the 'Warm Heart of Africa'. the lake is the eighth largest lake in the whole world and is estimated to be anywhere between 40,000 to two million years old.

Situated in the town of Mangochi, the festival even takes its name from the colonialist David Livingstone's nickname for the lake, after seeing the lake late at night speckled with fisherman's lamps on the surface of the water.

As can be seen in the videos posted below, the waters are rich in exotic fish. Whilst there is always the threat of overfishing and water pollution, the lake has provided the locals with food for as long as it has existed. Other wildlife that are commonly seen in and around the lake are crocodiles, hippopotamus, monkeys and African fish eagles.

The crystal clear lake allows for snorkelling, diving, gazing at sunsets and all manner of extreme sports.

Put simply, this freshwater lake is a natural wonder of the world and the opportunities for excitement are endless.

Watch this clip for the Discovery Channel's close look at the wildlife of Lake Malawi in the 'Fresh Water' episode of their Planet Earth series.


Watch this clip for Southern Africa Direct's take on the travel opportunities in Lake Malawi.


For more info on Lake Malawi click here.

Lake Malawi

One of the most enjoyable things about the Lake of Stars festival is its location. A ticket to the festival means access to the Great Lake in the 'Warm Heart of Africa'. the lake is the eighth largest lake in the whole world and is estimated to be anywhere between 40,000 to two million years old.

Situated in the town of Mangochi, the festival even takes its name from the colonialist David Livingstone's nickname for the lake, after seeing the lake late at night speckled with fisherman's lamps on the surface of the water.

As can be seen in the videos posted below, the waters are rich in exotic fish. Whilst there is always the threat of overfishing and water pollution, the lake has provided the locals with food for as long as it has existed. Other wildlife that are commonly seen in and around the lake are crocodiles, hippopotamus, monkeys and African fish eagles.

The crystal clear lake allows for snorkelling, diving, gazing at sunsets and all manner of extreme sports.

Put simply, this freshwater lake is a natural wonder of the world and the opportunities for excitement are endless.

Watch this clip for the Discovery Channel's close look at the wildlife of Lake Malawi in the 'Fresh Water' episode of their Planet Earth series.


Watch this clip for Southern Africa Direct's take on the travel opportunities in Lake Malawi.


For more info on Lake Malawi click here.

Noisettes cover 'Ever Fallen in Love'

As part of the 50th anniversary for Doc Martens, our artist Noisettes have covered the Buzzcocks classic 'Ever Fallen in Love', which can be watched below.

With any luck they might even play it in a few days time at Lake of Stars in Malawi.

For more info on Noisettes click here.

Noisettes cover 'Ever Fallen in Love'

As part of the 50th anniversary for Doc Martens, our artist Noisettes have covered the Buzzcocks classic 'Ever Fallen in Love', which can be watched below.

With any luck they might even play it in a few days time at Lake of Stars in Malawi.

For more info on Noisettes click here.

Shortwave Memories

More Congo classics via Nigeria here! Music From Zaïre Vol. 3 (Soundpoint SOP 041, 1977) opens with "Ngalula Marthe" by Orchestre Elegance Jazz, a song that provokes fond memories among West Africans of a certain age. A quick scan of the internet produces numerous comments about it, including these: ". . .I dreamed of my childhood in Sierra Leone. When I board a public transport like a taxi, private bus, pick trucks travelling to the countryside, this record was the music of the time in Sierra Leone in all these public transportations. . ." ". . . This song typified my happy childhood in the good old days in Nigeria. Late 70s and early 80s, I think. Remembered it being played on the state radio's ikwokilikwo hour in Anambra back them. The best of the classic Congolese music! It's soothing!" ". . . We used to organize dancing competitions with this song back then in Cote d'Ivoire. . ."

As regards the meaning of the lyrics, another listener writes, ". . . Ngalula is the name of a girl in the Kasai culture: Ngalula is special because of her genetic makeup. So is Ntumba from the cultural perispectives. These children were concieved without sex after mother has just had another child. . ."

There's no doubt that this 1972 classic had a broad influence on West African music. Compare the guitar work at around the 3:30 mark to Prince Nico Mbarga's "Sweet Mother," released in 1976:

Orchestre Elegance Jazz - Ngalula Marthe

Here's another song evoking the feeling of something you'd hear over a shortwave radio late at night. I'm not the only one who's looked high and low for part two of "Yokolo," but according to Alistair Johnston's discography of Docteur Nico it is avaliable only on two 45s (Editions Sukisa S.500 & Ngoma DNJ 5274) issued in the late '60s. To the best of my knowledge the only album Part 1 is available on is Music From Zaïre Vol. 3. A rarity indeed!

Docteur Nico & Orchestre African Fiesta Sukisa - Yokolo Pt. 1

Nyboma Mwan'dido made his musical debut in 1969 at the age of 16, and was recruited by the musician and promoter Kiamuangana Verckys to Orchestre Bella-Bella in 1971, and subsequently to Orchestre Lipua-Lipua. "Kamalé'" proved to be such a smash for Lipua-Lipua and its lead singer that in 1975 Nyboma split from Verckys to form his own band, Les Kamalé, which notched a series of hits, including the enduring classic "Doublé Doublé." You can hear a full-length version of "Kamalé" here.

Orchestre Lipua-Lipua - Kamalé Pt. 1

Docteur Nico & Orchestre African Fiesta Sukisa - Mokili Makambo

When Kiamuangana Verckys left OK Jazz in 1969, he soon developed a recording empire and a raucous sound to rival those of his mentor Franco and the other giant of Congo music at the time, Tabu Ley Rochereau. I've been unable to locate Part One of "Dona," the wild horns, biting guitar licks and over-the-top vocals of which showcase the "Verckys Sound" at its best:

Verckys & Orchestre Vévé - Dona Pt. 2

Part One of Bella-Bella's great "Mbuta" has also eluded me. You can hear Nyboma singing backup here:

Orchestre Bella-Bella - Mbuta Pt. 2

"Infidelité Mado," also known as "Mado," realeased in 1972, was a great hit for Franco and Orchestre TPOK Jazz. I apologize for the poor sound quality of the version here, indeed of the last four tracks on Music from Zaïre Vol. 3 (Side Two of the LP is slightly off-center). You can hear a better version of "Mado," courtesy of Worldservice, here:

Franco & l'Orchestre TPOK Jazz - Mado

Founded in 1953, Joseph Kabasele's African Jazz was the first "modern" Congolese orchestra:

Orchestre African Jazz - B.B. 69

Download Music From Zaïre Vol. 3 as a zipped file here.

Mokoomba getting much love from Diplo

It's no secret that Diplo has shown his appreciation for music from around the world, throughout his career, whether going it solo, producing others, or as one half of Major Lazer. But as Africa Unsigned points out, Diplo has been heavily spinning 'Messe Messe' - a track from our boy Mokoomba. The track was made by the Zimbabwean Mokoomba alongside Gregor Salto and features in Diplo's recent Beatport chart released in September. It's highly likely that anyone attending this month's Lake of Stars festival in Malawi will be treated to the track by Mokoomba when he plays there. Be sure to check out the track below:



For more info on Mokoomba click here

Mokoomba getting much love from Diplo

It's no secret that Diplo has shown his appreciation for music from around the world, throughout his career, whether going it solo, producing others, or as one half of Major Lazer. But as Africa Unsigned points out, Diplo has been heavily spinning 'Messe Messe' - a track from our boy Mokoomba. The track was made by the Zimbabwean Mokoomba alongside Gregor Salto and features in Diplo's recent Beatport chart released in September. It's highly likely that anyone attending this month's Lake of Stars festival in Malawi will be treated to the track by Mokoomba when he plays there. Be sure to check out the track below:



For more info on Mokoomba click here

The Amitofo Care Centre

The Amitofo Care Centre (ACC) - which is comprised of an administration centre, children’s dormitories, youth dormitories, preparatory school, kindergarten, library, activity centre, medical centre, vocational training centre, religious centre, CBO etc - is founded and directed by Buddhist clergy from the East with an aspiration and mission to directly rear and care for orphans of Africa within the humanitarian and educational umbrella. The main principles of ACC are based on local African culture, Chinese culture and Buddhist philosophy which are given to the orphans in need. This is considered a unique and remarkable characteristic of ACC although it must be stressed that none of the orphans have taken refuge to Buddhism, as the ACC respect their religious freedom and will allow them to choose their own religions as they enter adulthood.

After an arduous ten years, ACC’s caring programme has spread from one location to a number of African countries benefiting thousands of children and adults alike. ACC’s compassionate and philanthropic foot-prints have been left not only in South Africa but also in Swaziland, Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, etc. as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia and several South American countries as St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The total orphans that ACC has adopted to date number around 3000.

The current ACC is in association with three charity institutes namely; the Yuan Tong Culture and Care Association (R.O.C.) , Pu-Hsein Educational Foundation of Taiwan and the Amitofo Charity Association in South Africa that continuously organize and manage ACC operations along with financial support.

Venerable Hui Li, born in Taiwan and tagged as the ‘African monk’, founded ACC specifically for African orphans in the early 90’s and is still the residing chairperson. With his enthusiasm and big heart to bring love and care to the orphans.
Ven. Hui Li has been awarded the “Loving of Life” medal by the Chou Ta-Kuan Foundation of Taiwan. He has also been invited by a number of First Ladies of certain African countries, some of whom refer to him as the Buddhist Albert Sweitzer, in praise of his significance and contributions thus far. Nowadays ACC, and Ven. Hui Li, is widely recognized as an international charity and educational institute and sponsored by numerous people in Asia.

For more info on the Amitofo Care Centre, click here.