Fri, 09 Jun 2017 11:18:17 +0000
ZAMBIAN MOVIE GRABS “BEST SHORT FILM AWARD” AT THE TPFF
By Terence Miselo
A Zambian produced short film has walked away with the best film award at the recently held ‘The people’s film festival’.
With over eight participants in the category, “What kept me going” was announced among the winners of the night beating productions from some of the world’s best film industries.
The short film which was produced and directed by a Zambian born but Australian-based actress , author and producer has set the record of the first Zambian movie to premier as well as to win an award at the The Peoples film festival in Newyork USA.
Matildah Muchindu popularly known as Maddie Mitchel the producer received the award.
She said, “it is very encouraging to see Zambian movies being recognized and awarded on international platforms.”
Maddie has since encouraged Zambian actors and producers to continue marketing Zambian movies at international platforms.
Recently, she signed a management contract with Copperbelt-based talent management personality Robinson Kasao of JERAHYO INC Promotions.
“What kept me going ” is based on Matildah Muchindu’s book which shares the same title. Amongst other achievements Maddies Manager Robinson Kasao has revealed Matilda’s roles in two upcoming Nollywood soap series and a movie to be based on her second book
INTRODUCING SMART KAY
By Terence Miselo
He had a brief test of the music scene in 2000 when he released a single ‘Wanikonda Lero’ featuring Yellow Man and produced by all-time music maker Jerry Fingers. With this song, Kelvin Mbewe musically known as Smart Kay was able to rub shoulders with fellow upcoming artistes and top-ranking artistes at the time. However, he took a long break to concentrate on school and later work.
But we he actually discovered that music to him was more of a passion than a hobby, Smart Kay decided to get back to the mic only this time with a whole different approach. One that makes him use his talent to bring out various social issues and happenings within the country.
For this reason, the singer is now ready for a comeback through his most recent single called ‘Kalamatila’. This is a song to introduce his forthcoming self-title debut album dubbed, ‘Kelvin.’
“Well, after a long time I wish to re-introduce myself on the scene. I decided to bring this single ‘Kalamatila’ to show exactly what I am trying to do. This is a song that is merely commenting on social issues and an example of what my album will be about,” said Smart Kay in an interview.
On his album, he is set to feature the likes of Red Linso and the production crew will include Jerry Fingers, Jimmy Judge, Gizzimo and Quincy Wizzy.
RUNNEL TO EXPERIENCE ‘AMNESIA’
By Terence Miselo
Seasoned songwriter, producer and singer Runnel famously known from his hit single ‘Panadol’ will tomorrow night rock the newly-opened Club Amnesia in Lusaka’s Chamba Valley.
This is the second time the club is hosting a huge performance following its official opening last month.
Runnel, who has been working silently, has enough music to keep the revelers at the club entertained. With his chain of hits, the musician will be looking out to reunite with his followers and give them even more from his most recent collaborations.
His show will also be supported by several artistes and DJs. His stage work a well-coordinated routine dances will surely keep everybody pleased.
On the list of common songs to be performed by Runnel include ‘Panadol’, ‘Laka’, ‘Nsanje’ and ‘Osadabwa’ to name only a few.
Catching up with Red (Eye) Linso: the man with the Chin-Chin vibe
By Terence Miselo
| The last time he released a single, it was considered controversial. Undoubtedly, the title itself was enough for everyone to understand why it could not to be played on some radio stations especially public ones. Further, the lyrical content became a centre of debate as the song appeared disrespectful to women. However, James Banda aka Red Linso still thinks he was unfairly judged over his ‘Matako, [Mwanakazi ni Matako]’ single. |
He says this was just a private loose talk by men that unfortunately found itself in public domain.
“When I did the song, it was actually rated PG [Parental Guide] beacause I was simply representing what we men talk about in our moments in clubs. It was not even meant for radio as I intended to do a radio edit, but before that was done, the song was already playing on private radio stations,” recounts Red Linso who actually now prefers to be called Red Eye.
“After that song, I was misunderstood. I was deemed controversial,” he adds.
And true to his style, controversy has always been that dominant ingredient of his music career. Perhaps even his entry to the music scene in the late 90s raised some controversy as he came with a new style of simply talking over a beat rather than singing.
“ I had to think of the music we were getting at that moment. Everyone was singing or rapping in English. I had to bring something unique and I decided to introduce a kind of rap where I would just simply talk over a beat. This was some form of poetry which I created and called it Chin Chin style. It was the first of its kind and I was doing it in vernacular,” narrates Red Linso in explaining how he ended up with the kind of music he does.
He remembers that most people did not easily accept his style but with time they fell in love with it because it was unique.
“I personally knew what I wanted to do. I did not care much about my critics who thought I was lazy and just talking. That was the different thing I wanted to bring to the industry and believe me, it worked and gave birth to rap in vernacular. It gave birth to a new crop of artistes that wanted to freely do rap music in local languages,” he explains.
But just how did he then come up with the name Red Linso? What exactly does it mean?
“Red Linso was a character I created. It was not supposed to be me but because I could not find any one to fit the character, I ended up being the character,” insists Red who later in early 2000s linked up with Winston Moyo, one of Zambia’s top vocalists at the time and was famously known for his hit single, ‘Georgina’. Together, they created songs that hit playlists countrywide. These are songs that put both artistes on demand.
“My first ever song with Winston was ‘Nkani Yalula.’ It was one good track that intensified our relationship. I met him at Sound Check Studios and you know, we started working together because I think he was first attracted to me when I featured on a song called Lubuto Flashback. He liked my style and the rest is history,” explains Red who together with Winston made a lasting impression on the Zambian music market. Songs like ‘Zigololo,’ ‘Room’, ‘Pensulo’ and more made their friendship even bigger.
“It worked well, it was a huge success and I must say, the biggest collabo ever,” he boasts.
This chemistry continued even years later when they worked on a recent single, ‘Kamwala Pamutenje’ and Red Linso insists they still have all it takes to work together.
“10 years down the line, I can still say we are good buddies. We are actually working on a project together and people should look out for this one,” he advises.
Additionally, on his solo career, Red Linso hints that he has an album for the people dubbed, ‘Love is all we need.’ He says this is not really a profit-making album but something he is doing owing to his charity projects and love for children.
“This is one album for the people. Something I am doing to raise money for vulnerable children as you know, I am a child rights activist and someone who does lots of community projects to help children. So ‘Love is all we need’ is an album for the people,” he emphasizes but still admits he has new commercial music coming. So far, he has a single called ‘Butterfly’, a song to give a test of what is expected on his solo album. On this album, Red Linso will be addressing various issues including Gender-Based Violence. This is a project to be produced by TAZ and Jerry Fingers.
“People should again look out for this one. It is something I have taken time to work on and I believe this year is right for release,” adds Red Linso who also has some advice to Zambia Association of Musicians for the growth of the industry.
“My appeal to ZAM is to find means to change the constitution. We don’t need practicing artistes to run ZAM, we need independent professionals and non-practicing musicians with the interests of everybody to run the Association,” submits Red Linso whose album collection to date includes ‘Red Linso’ which had his first ever hit single, ‘Daddy Dididade,’ True or False’ his second album and ‘Sweet Daddy’ the third album released 10 years ago.
Macky2 in Gambino Winter Shake Down
By Terence Miselo
| Local hip hop hit maker Macky2 is the main man for the Saturday-planned Winter Shake Down bash to be held at Gambino West Pub in Lusaka’s Garden House area starting 15:00 hours. |
This show is dubbed to be one of the biggest at the venue as Macky2 remains a favourite to the locals in Garden House area. Besides Macky2, the show will be supported by two seasoned musicians in the name of Runnel and Ty2. These two veterans have been courted to add a feel of where Zambian music is coming from and give appreciation to where we are now.
Gambino line up of top-ranking DJs is another highlight for this shake down as DJ Bizzy Wizzy, Links in the Mix, VJeezy and DJ Hussein the Superstar will all be in the place that has successfully taken over music performances.
What is even interesting is the fact that Macky2 will be making his debut performance at the venue following the release of his controversial single, ‘Tilizoni’. He of course, has a lot more to offer but ‘Favour’ and ‘Forgive Them’ will surely make part of his playlist.
Other artistes to support the Shake Down include Karasa, HD Empire and KenOne. The show which also features a special Amarula promotion will be hosted by Clive Alive and DJ Manstan.
