by Our Contributor

Record producer and musician Sonyezo Kandoje is having a remarkable year. He has just recorded a new song with songbird Tuno, real name Tunosiwe Chloe Mwakalenga. The song, recorded at his studio, Baseline Records in Blantyre, has a distinct local feel that is expected to contribute to its success.

Having been active in the music scene for nearly a decade, Sonyezo continues to grow stronger with each passing year. He first rose to prominence with his debut album Break Point, which featured hit songs like Mr Captain, Ukadusa, and Tabwera. Since then, he has consistently released chart-topping records. In 2012, he dropped Kwacha, a song that made a significant impact on Malawi’s music industry. In 2015, he followed up with another hit, Tsika, which became so popular that even children could be heard singing it word for word.

However, Tsika was not without controversy. Some gender activists criticized its lyrics, arguing that they were degrading to women. Despite the backlash, Sonyezo continued to evolve as an artist.

A New Chapter: Rebranding and Success

In 2017, he embarked on a rebranding campaign, shifting from an urban style to a more local sound. Shortly after this transformation, he released Lokolo, his first song to be distributed on Malawi Music’s online store. The track was a massive success, widely downloaded and even pirated by fans and critics alike.

The year 2018 seems to be a defining moment in Sonyezo’s career, with several highly anticipated projects underway. Recently, he was spotted shooting a music video for his latest song. The video was produced by some of Malawi’s most talented filmmakers, including Gift “Sukez” Sukali and Essim Shaibu Mbwana. Research reveals that Sukez was responsible for scripting the video, while Terminal Lab’s Essim handled lighting, and Ronald “Ron CZ” Zeleza directed the masterpiece.

Given the lineup of talented cinematographers, expectations are high for a visually stunning video. High-quality music videos require a collaborative effort from dedicated professionals, and this project appears to have all the right ingredients for success. Industry experts emphasize that lighting plays a crucial role in determining whether a video meets international television standards. The use of zitenje (wrappers) and traditional jewelry in the video further enhances its cultural appeal, promising a visually striking final product.

Launching a Website: A Major Milestone

As if his recent musical successes weren’t enough, Sonyezo has taken another major step in his career by launching his own website: sonyezo.com. Internationally, top musicians use personal websites to share their music, tour dates, statements, and other updates. By joining this trend, Sonyezo has positioned himself among A-list musicians who understand the importance of digital presence.

Social media has been flooded with praise for the multi-talented artist. With his continued growth and strategic moves, Sonyezo has undoubtedly set a new standard for Malawi’s music industry. The future looks bright, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in his musical journey.