By Franco Mwachande Jnr

In a strategic way to reclaim a spot in the local music scene, sensational dance-hall musician Star Marley has announced that he has departed from his usual dancehall genre to Islamic music popularly known as nasheed.

In an interview, the Blantyre-based artist born Emmanuel Kunje said as a proud Moslem he has decided to do more Islamic songs in his forthcoming album to praise the almighty Allah.

“At the moment am more into nasheed, for a break away from dancehall music right now I would like to try other avenues of life and off course, the almighty Allah has been great to my life and by looking at where I’m coming from, I really have to praise him with all my heart”.

He adds: “My target has changed because this project is basically for the Muslim community and few Christians who really believe in God. And currently there is a symbolic acceptance and growth particularly on the nasheed music”.

But he says his release of Islamic songs should not deter fans. He stresses there was a huge thirst from people who wanted him to record such songs and advance his talent.

“I know people will say much that I have failed the genre. I think it’s fair enough to make independent analysis before releasing albums. I’m doing a soul-searching people will notice the change in”. Says the youthful artist that came into the limelight in 2005 after the death of his brother Vic Marley, who was tamed the pioneer of dancehall music.

Now, this time around the artist says he has not failed to fill the vacuum that was left by the departed dancehall ace Vic Marley.

“It doesn’t give the impression that the change of genre means am failing to fill my brother shoe, but, is my music strategy. And I would like to announce that am no longer called Star Marley. Let people call me ‘Star Emmanuel”, said the singer.

He sums it up: “it’s different from my previous songs, mainly it’s all about preaching in a Muslim way, and trying to tell the masses that Moslems are not terrorists they are victims too”.

However, a radio personality who spoke on conditions of anonymity says the artist has run out of steam.

“You know this lad gave the nation an impression that he will carry on the journey that was left by his brother but many years down the line nothing is promising”, he observed.

On the new album, the Njenjenje hit maker said the songs will be distributed for free as one way of thanking Allah and continuing Islamic teachings of giving.

According to the artist the album has been covered in two studios namely Tman and 123 Media, produced by Twin Beats, some of the songs in the album include Grace of Allah, Guide and protect me, Journey of life, Ndimadziwa, and Ndizowona.

The musician has joined other Islamic artists who are fast making a name on both the local and international scene in likes of Ishmael Katawala, Ahmed Pilo and Ishamel Mtenje.

He has a single album Chibwibwi to his credit and he continued a project left by his brother which has a hit single Traffic police.