Last year’s Airtel Trace Music Star local winner Sam Mjura Mkandawire has said that the competition helped build him and that he is destined to bring out more starting this year.
The Lilongwe-based singer and keyboardist, who is also a member of Mafilika Band was the local winner pocketing K14 million and then went on to represent Malawi at the pan African contest held in Kenya where he came sixth.
“There is more coming from me this year as far as music is concerned but I should say it here that the Airtel Trace Music Star helped me a lot. I learned a lot and I am now able to do things differently,” he said.
He said that apart from music, he also managed to get married to a woman who he battled with during the local contest.
“I have been working in the background and patiently. Now people will see the work come to fruition,” he said.
The artist also revealed that he has new songs which he has recorded with his band known as Victory which he formed last year.
“We have done a DVD/audio recording project called Mjura Unplugged and we are planning on releasing it on March 4 which is my birthday,” said Mkandawire.
He said the project has three new songs and a remake of four old tracks from his Zikomo album.
Mkandawire said the project was recorded at Nyanja Productions.
“This is a 12 –track gospel album where I did seven songs and again there is an album I am working on which I am yet to give the name,” he said.
Some of the three new songs he has done and will be part of his album include ‘Ngati Inu,’ ‘Hold Me in your Arms,’ and ‘Mwandipambanitsa.’
“As I said I am still writing songs from the new album and will hopefully record it in South Africa or Kenya,” said the artist.
Meanwhile the Airtel Trace Music Star season 2 starts next month and Mkandawire has called on people to participate and showcase their talent.
The official mentor for this year’s competition is American singer, songwriter, actress and producer Keri Hilson.
Last year the grand finale was held in Kenya but this time it will be held in Lagos, Nigeria.
The grand prize comprises a mentorship programme with Hilson in Atlanta, USA.
Apart from Malawi, the other countries participating in the contest include new recruit Niger, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Gabon, Ghana and Madagascar.
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