/Kalimba/Makasu Band
Kalimba/Makasu Band
Kalimba/Makasu, www.myspace.com/kalimbamakasu these were two big groups to come out of Malawi, in Central Africa in the 80's. Kalimba was formed by Griffin Mhango in the late 70's and was performing at Capital Hotel in Capital City, Lilongwe, Malawi. With joing the band by Bright Nkhata, lead singer and Stain Phiri, song writer and keyboard player, the group was transformed to a grater hights and managed to win a recording contract in South Africa with Dephone Promotions in 1983 and recordrd the album "Make Friends With the World". A hit single from the album "Sometimes I Wonder" went into many charts in many radio station even reaching top 5 on BBC Africa Channel. Due to some diferences within the group, Bright Nkhata and Stain Phiri formed Makasu that included some of the members of Kalimba and joined forces from other members like Lester Mwathunga on Bass from Love Aquarius Band. Due to contract terms, Makasu could not record under the same name from the same company and the company decided to keep the name Kalimba and include Makasu, thats Kalimba/Makasu and recorded Reggae Magic in 1984.
George Phiri who was in a group Wells Falgo in Zimbabwe was conviced by Stain Phiri to Join Makasu in 1985 who brought so much needed guitar experience to the group. The group recorded a single titled NAPOLO during a tour of Zimbabwe in 1985. In 1987 the group recorded the multi single Hit "MASESE" with songs like "MATENDA" "I LOVE MALAWI" and "AFRICA" composed by Stain Phiri and the later by George Phiri. Stain Phiri left the group in 1990 for Botswana and later Bright Nkhata and George left for South Africa in 1996, and Bright came back to Malawi to revive the band befor he died in 2000. Stain Phiri is currently in Botswana managing and producing a South African Artist "MINGY" who has just released a CD Contact Stain Phiri +00267 71679757
