Sunday, 1 March 2020

The Billy Kaunda-Lucius Banda Debate


This week, Patience Namadingo was at it again. He released another reggae mashup medley in collaboration with another living music legend, Billy Kaunda.
The moment he did, some evil and shallow minded people decided to make it a case against Billy and Lucius. While others felt Lucius was better others argued it was Billy who was better.
Furthermore, others felt the first two mash up productions with Joe Kellz and JJ Kasokwe was better than the two.
One clear thing that everyone must know is that music is a mission and not competition.
It is therefore clear that the feeble minds that started and perpetuated this debate do not love music for what it is.
Granted, for argument's sake let's compare Billy and Lucius. On what grounds would they compete on? Their music is different to begin with, and not to mention their musical philosophy.
When these people introduced Malawians to the local music middle to late 90s, there was also this debate which reduced to hushed tones.
Billy's music cannot compare with musical productions of Lucius in the sense of trying to get number one.
When you consider the musical paths that the two have taken, you will agree with me that these are totally two different artists. It's like trying to compare mangoes and bananas because both are fruits. It's that simple, when you don't like a mango just don't badmouth it, just look for your favourite banana. If you have been invited to lunch and the dessert is a mango salad as opposed to your desired banana salad, you cannot condemn the whole lunch because of your biases, it is against the principles of fairness and justice.
My point is that, lets respect our legends in their deserved accolades, we really cannot afford to start pitting them into unnecessary pissing contests.
What we should be talking about is the innovation behind these productions as I pointed out last week.
Just sample some of the comments on Namadingo's Facebook post of the video:

Lee Ajussa Leonard:  “My take: Billy Kaunda started with off-keys BUT later built on his confidence as the song wore on...”
Wondeŕful Mkhutche: “Oh man! Oh man! Never felt this good in a long time. Wow!”
Mahara Mhango: Awesome stuff, can’t wait to hear the one with Lulu or George Mkandawire
Temwa Luhana: “To those comparing this one to the previous one ...it’s not a competition...he is doing all this so that we can appreciate our legends…”
Sunga Ner Micigan: “Billy has been hiding yes, but the voice still sounds fresh. My favourite artist in those days Billy, I just love this man. Great works both of you”
Joel Changulungunda Kumwenda: “Don't compare Mash Ups, you are losing out on the sweetness of them all.”
Josephine Gwaza: “Beautiful work! The intensity in Billy's vocals is on another level. The gentleman can sing.”
Pitt Mankhambira: I think Billy Kaunda is too dynamic in choice of key in individual pieces. He cannot be compared to Soldier who I find sticking to certain keys. Both are great musicians though. I love their works.”
Knockie Dread: “Kudos to all the artists that Namadingo has collab’d with. But who’s that wizard operating the sound recording devices. He’s simply amazing!”
Kamanga Jonston Jonny: “The sequence of the songs is so brilliant! One song speaks to the other, and that's real measure of artistic brilliance. Well done!!!”
Gloria Maseko: “Malawi is rich with great talent. I wish we could deal away with jealous as it is a deterrent factor to development.”
Austin Mathews Matola: “Nice effort Billy's lines were hard on that instrumentation.... Overall, it serves the purpose.”
Yvonne Audriana Mkwamba: “Inu ama comparisons inu...step aside we should enjoy the talent that’s before us.
Yezgani Munthali Kadyakale: “Wow…the vocals anakonza, didn't know Billy Kaunda is this good. This is THE VOICE!! Patience, you never disappoint ooh!!!”
Christin Kathyl: “Why are people comparing mush-up ,enafe zatikomela ,Billy Kaunda is not Lucius Banda eish”
Harriet Chiwaula: “Beautiful! Opanga compare zichedwani ife tikunjoya...”
Mada Mumba: “Thank u Namadingo and BK respect hey u got us smiling throughout the 10mins of this mash up God bless u”
Tiwonge Tiwoos Kayira: “You will get tired comparing every mash-up against that of soldier, just keep appreciating every mash-up as it comes.”
Tassira Mercy Sitolo: “I miss Billy Kaunda songs, this is good. Za compare zo nzanuso”
Yami Lawrence Kachuma: “Ineyo sindikupanga za ma comparison... Koma this is lit.... Respect Big man.... Pure talent pure niceness... Keep up the good work...”
Nelson Luhanga: “This is awesome Malawian music... I'm from Zambia and I just want to compliment Uncle Billy Kaunda and the friend; you people can sing …”
Innocent Yamikani Juma: “I love the whole concept sir Namadingo ...Billy's voice I like so natural, the selection was too good…”
Shezzy Nasato Banda: “I am getting goose bumps…!!”
Agness Chilasa Wincott: “Well done you two. Your chemistry was good. Eye contact. Body language. On point.”




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