I’m not threatened by young musicians, says Lucius

Malawi’s legendary musician Lucius ‘Soldier’ Banda says new kids on the block are not a threat to him on the local music scene.

He said this in an interview with Nyasa Times during the Malawian Music Awards (MMA) in Blantyre on Friday night.

The old timer, who had three nominations in the MMA, only won one award ‘Best Local’, missing out on ‘Best Male Vocal’ which on paper he was a favourite but was won by Afro R&B singer Maskal.

“I have passed that time when I’d get threatened by young artists,” said Soldier who will be releasing his 16th album ‘Life’ next month.

He added: “Actually am happy that these youngsters are doing great and I gave all of them a standing ovation for grabbing an award.”

Apart from the ‘Udalire’ and ‘Wa CV’ hits maker Maskal, who had a an overwhelming performance during the awards, other youthful artists that scooped the MMAs were Young Kay, Dan Lu, Theo Thomson, Sonye, Simon & Kendall and Dominant One.

While saying “it feels good” to win an award in the first MMA, Lucius, who has been host to many popular musicians, helping to begin their careers said “it would not have been fair for one person to walk out with five awards.”

Turning 41 this August, Lucius however urged the organizers of the MMA, incmedia, to introduce a “First Best Comers” category for “beginners” in next year’s awards.

And in a separate interview, the man behind the MMA, Denis Mitole said “exciting categories will be introduced next year, we have learnt a lot out of these awards and we’re hoping for the best in 2012.”

Having released his debut album ‘Nthawi’ seven months ago, Maskal, who recently performed at Big Brother Africa Amplified in South Africa, beat old timers Lucius, Ben Mankhamba, Skeffa Chimoto, and Dan Lu to be crowned the best male artist.

“I’m very excited with this award. It’s a motivation to come top of such great musicians and this gives me the hunger to give Malawians the best of Malawian music,” said the singer.

Maskal is expected to headline this year’s Lake of Stars international music festival in Mangochi alongside Lucius, Black Missionaries, Skeffa as well as UK’s Foals and South Africa’s Freshlyground.—(Reporting by Kimpho Loka, Nyasa Times)