Giddes Chamanda, musician
Giddes Chalamanda, also known by his stage name, Agide, turned 95 at the beginning of 2026. A well-known and renowned Malawian musician, for many he is the father of folk in the country. After more than five decades of musical career, we meet him at his home, in a rural area in the south of the country, near the city of Blantyre.
How did you start dedicating yourself to music?
I started my musical career in 1974. My music was broadcast on the radio station that existed at the time, MBC (Malawi Broadcasting Corporation). Throw Buffalo Soldier. I was the first to perform that song and not Bob Marley, who did it in 1976. If Marley were alive, I would have sued him for appropriating my song (laughs).
Did you play before 1974?
Yes, I was already dedicated to music, but at that time there were no record labels or radio stations. That’s why I released my first song in 1974, because that’s when MBC came on the scene.
Who gave you your first guitar?
Actually, they never gave me a guitar. I made it myself with local materials. I simply took a metal drum, put some strings on it… and I already had the guitar.
And how did he make it?
I didn’t know, it was God. I don’t even know how it occurred to me to do it, but I did it, so I think it was the power of God.
What music did you listen to in your early years?
The first music I heard was from Zambia, but I heard it in Zimbabwe, while working there in 1956 (he starts humming and singing some of those songs).
What musicians or bands have you collaborated with throughout your career?
There are more than ten groups or musicians with whom I have played or collaborated at some point, but among them I can mention, for example, Kamwana Family, or Black Missionaries, a band reggae very popular whose members reside in Chileka.
He has been linked to music for more than five decades. How has Malawi changed since then?
Music has evolved, but now I realize that people no longer use natural instruments. The music that I would have liked is no longer made. It’s changed so much that you just go into a studio and record without any physical instruments.
What is music for you?
Music is a tool used to bring peace. If you are going through a bad time, you may feel happier after listening to some music.
What is the message of your songs?
My music is more about giving advice. It is about peace, harmony and togetherness. I often preach about peace through my music and in my performances.
Buffalo SoldierIt is one of his best-known songs. In it he says that he would like to visit the United States. In 2016, with the support of many people, he sang in Washington DC. What was that experience like?
I really enjoyed it, really. Washington is a great place and singing there was one of my biggest dreams come true.
What did he sing there?
Buffalo Soldier, linny, Nthwani Zina and Napoleon. Those are the songs I sang there.
A few years ago he collaborated with Namadingo on the subject linny. That work went viral on the Internet, with millions of views on social networks. Did you expect it?
No, I never believed that the song would go viral and that so many people would like it. What I expected was to be paid more for the issue, since the amount I received was very small.
You are an icon of Malawian music. What would you say to the younger generation of musicians in the country?
I believe that music, if done honestly, can change a person’s life and their future. Music should not only be entertainment, but it should transmit a message that brings changes to society.
In 2014 he won the Malawi Folk Music Award. How important was that recognition for you?
I was very happy to have received this award (points to a shelf in the living room, where the award is located). It is a recognition of my music.
Do you play every day?
Yes, I sing and play every day.
What do you think is the best song of your career?
linny It is one of my best and best known songs.
Do you have dreams left to fulfill?
Now that I’m getting older my dream may not be the same as before, but I still feel like I have room to sing more, because that’s what feeds me. Although it is difficult for me to walk, if opportunities continue to present themselves, I will continue singing in front of the public.
Are you still composing?
Yes, I still create, but now I just sing them and do it directly in my head.
What is the most beautiful memory you have?
My happiest moments are usually linked to my time on stage. Many people come to listen to my music there. Most of the time, my happiest moments are when I’m on stage singing live.
Do you have sons, daughters, grandsons or granddaughters?
I have four children, two girls and two boys. And five grandchildren. They all count on me to support them.
Does any of them play an instrument?
Only him (points to one of his children, who is sitting next to him).
And do you like to play?
Yes, he likes it, of course.
Do you have fun playing together?
Yes, we enjoy when we play together.
