Katawa Singers to revisit old songs

Mzuzu-based Katawa CCAP Singers, which was in the limelight in the 1990 s, has disclosed plans to go back to the studio and re-record their old songs. The group observed that with technology moving at a fast pace, where people are embracing new ways, the creative industry has not been left out, hence revisiting their old songs. Secretary for the gospel group Canaan…

Mzuzu-based Katawa CCAP Singers, which was in the limelight in the 1990s, has disclosed plans to go back to the studio and re-record their old songs.

The group observed that with technology moving at a fast pace, where people are embracing new ways, the creative industry has not been left out, hence revisiting their old songs.

Some if the old songs that the group made headlines with include ‘Wela Welako’, ‘Tiyende Tiyende’ and ‘Tikauwone’.

The gospel outfit, which has been inactive in terms of hosting performances as they used to do in the past years, emphasised that their re-recording is to improve the quality of the songs with modern equipment.

Katawa Singers CCAP Chairperson and lead vocalist Auden Nthala also hinted at recording new songs as they gear to release a new album.

He admitted that they have been inactive as a group but was quick to say that they were still intact.

“We are still vibrant, we still sing in church and, where people invite us, we go and perform,” Nthala said.

Secretary for the gospel group Canaan Munthali said their biggest challenge at the moment is lack of funds.

“We do not have enough in our coffers to hold live performances as we used to do in the past years. For us, music is a ministry. But we need funds to travel to different places,” Munthali said.

“It is our hope that we will be supported so that we go back to the studio and produce more songs. Our equipment is also not in good condition, we need a new kit and if we can have well-wishers to help us purchase new equipment, then the better,” Munthali said.

He said some of the members of the group have moved to other places due to marriage and work and that, currently, the outfit has 13 members.

Katawa CCAP Singers was formed in 1991 as a fundraising choir for projects of the church before it won the hearts of many people and then started touring to minister the world of God.

The other members that have served Katawa Singers include Eliza Kachali Kaunda, Thocco Katimba and Thomas Lupesya.