McLuther Discovers A Borderless World ‘Discovery’

By Marcfarlane Mbewe

Soulful singer, McLuther Mambala hopes to be discovered by the international audience this October when he drops “Discovery”, his debut EP.

McLuther, who caught the attention of the local audience when he topped the 2014 Sunbird Search for a Star talent show, has told zambuye.com that ‘Discovery’ is as a culmination of many things he has discovered along the way since he rose to prominence, five years ago.

In the EP McLuther engages various subjects including peace and love. Out this summer, ‘Discovery’ has begun turning up the heat locally with a celebration off God’s peace which surpasses all understanding in ‘Mtendere’, a promotional single dropped in August.

The Soul R&B piece is soon to be followed by the release of ‘Obsession’, a romantic story featuring Scarlet Jei Saoirse of the USA.
Aside featuring a singer miles away from Malawi, ‘Obsession’ harbours McLuther’s ambition to go borderless as with the use of technology the songwriter brought together South Africa’s Pereka Sibale and Phillip Chitsonga of Malawi to undertake the studio work.

Reflecting on his musical relationship with Scarlet Jei Saoirse, McLuther explains; “She connects more with my sound.

When we first met online, I remember her encouraging me that I can make it big in America because I have an American vocal vibe made particularly unique by African influences.”
The duo went on to share notes leading to their joint effort on ‘Obsession’.

In keeping with his objective to trascend borders, Mcluther features international musicians in ‘Discovery’ including Bongie Ntombeni of South Africa and Zimbabwe’s Rute Mbangwa. With a total of six collaborations, the EP also has McLuther’s compatriot Sangie and DR Congo’s Ariel Bukasa and Ben Kwasi.

“This border cutting lineup of collaborators goes a very long way to demonstrate my ambition to bypass geographical limitations as I take my music to the world,” says the guitarist, who was motivated to pursue a career in music following years of singing in church.

After ‘Discovery’ seeks to revisit his roots with ‘Mizu Ya McLuther’ an album he has been working on for the past two years.

Not so long ago, McLuther was among youthful singers who performed as backing vocalists in one of Apostle Enesia Chitheka’s new live recording sessions. In the past the musician has supported and worked with various local acts including Patience Namadingo, Lulu & the Joyful Souls. His previous songs include ‘Mzako Weniweni’, ‘Za Padziko’ (Stonald Lungu cover) and ‘Leave Me Alone’.