You might not be able to pick him out of the horde of Malawian rap artists but there is no lack of respect for one Limbani Nthambi Chakhoma commonly known as The Rap Reverend. His music has strived to move away from the usual antics affiliated to local rap.
It is no false assertion that hip hop music in the country is associated with mediocrity and quashed by the older generation. Contention escalates if the artist claims to preach the gospel through the genre as it is deemed lowering the message of salvation.
With a steady surge in reception of the genre as many have realised the requisite of moving with time, Nthambi’s freshly released album The Pruning; Kusadza neatens the air.
The album which postdates his first release, Fruit of the vine, has 17 tracks include the most acclaimed track ‘Chikondi’ in which he features one of the country’s renowned acoustic artist Faith Mussa.
Produced by the artistic hands of Yesaya Nkhwazi, Percy Pro-pee Manyozo and Gryton Pasanje known in the biz circles as GD at Lo Budget records, NP studios and Pro-pee Records. The album carries the main message of how God lets us meet some challenges in life so that we get right with him hence the album title being pruning; Kusadza in the vernacular Chichewa.
In the track ‘Behind the music’ featuring the angelic voice of Nicole Masauli, he questions the motive of gospel musicians and their impact on the audience. Are the artists doing it just for the fame or they are driven by the urge to preach the gospel?
As he raps “If my gifts make me sin that’s rubbish/ ngati ndi choncho luso’lo basi likhale/likundisokeretsa mpaka ku breaker ubale/ wanga ndi Mulungu eti mpaka ndiyiwale/uthengawu siwanga ine ndi pensulo chabe/atafuna Yesu atha kudzutsa miyala/olo mwinanso kugwiritsa ntchito wa misala/so lusoli likhale pansi pa uthenga wake/poti lidzatha koma uthenga udzakhalabe…” Nthambi avows the vitality of putting God’s word above all glamour which accompanies fame.
Coinciding with ‘Behind the music’ is the title ‘Spotlight’ which was first released as a single and enjoyed airplay on several radio stations. The song reveals why many churches are making new converts everyday but they don’t stay in the church as they are snubbed by fellow Christians once they stumble in their path. The 4min 13 seconds also carries the voices of Joshua Rhema Nkhata and Melody
‘Do not conform’, a collaboration with award winning artist David Kalirani and militant rapper Black Flame of the Osaopa fame. The hit daunts the peer pressure whirl wind that has swept many Christians. In pursuit of wealth and fame many Christians have lost their way. The perfect combination urges people in the faith not to conform to the world but stand by the word.
Other tracks to be noted from Nthambi’s 2nd album are ‘Ndikaganiza’ featuring Kangawa, ‘Kalilole’ a teamwork with Lonje Daudi of ‘Akadalipobe’ fame, Mabodza which features the Mighty P.O.V and the title track; the pruning.
On the dark side, one cannot fail to spot the lack of independence in the album. With 17 tracks, it is only Spotlight and Sifashion which he did on his own while the rest are collaborations with other artists.
Listening to the Pruning; Kusadza, one can’t fail to notice Nthambi’s metamorphosis into a force to reckon on the local gospel scene and also how he has managed to drift away from the usual attics associated with local hip-hop and came up with a CD which will give you a run for your money.
