In one of his recent releases Mtunda, musician Piksy talks about the journey his life has taken. He reflects on the distance he has covered and what lies ahead.

In the song, Piksy offers insights of what his life has been, outlining his passions and fears in equal measure. There is also a self-realisation that he has not done well in other aspects and he highlights the need for him to censor himself.

Piksy: I owe it to my parents

This evening, the Unamata hit-maker launches his third album titled after the same song. Just as he reflected on his persona in the composition, the moment at Comesa Hall in Blantyre this evening presents another opportunity to reflect on his music journey.

Over a decade ago, Piksy inducted himself into the local music scene as one part of the duo Atumwi with his longtime friend Nicholas Mbonera. The DNA of the duet was a new thing altogether. Their strength lay on fusing folklore tunes with modern beats.

Having taken the music scene by storm, the Atumwi euphoria was somewhat short-lived as the two broke up. In some way, this proved to be a moment of rebirth for Piksy. His journey as a solo artist began, albeit draped in new robes. Away from what Atumwi represented.

“It has been a journey. I can say so far, so good. I am still taking steps forward. I can see my life and my music has changed over the years and I am grateful for the position that God has put me in now,” he told Chill on Tuesday in between an intense rehearsal session ahead of the event.

A career that has spanned 18 years has earned Piksy three studio albums, Maso, Mthunzi and Mtunda to be launched today. Mtunda has 12 songs and has gone through hands of Malawi’s cream in terms of music production.

The producers include Sispence, Don Foxxy, Stitch Fray, Trappy, BFB and Eddy Beats. The list is reflective of the flexibility and adaptability that he exudes in his productions.

He said: “I am not fixed on a particular genre. I create, fuse and put together content that is relatable to most people. Of course with a strong bias of the Afro beat.”

His new single Anana, released on Monday, is a celebration of his journey. Starting as a nobody and rising to be one of the undisputable forces of urban music.

“Zinayamba mwachibwana, tima show pa Gymkhana, ife tili achibwana. Ena amkatikana, Kukwiya tikasanja, Kumaseka tikanjanja.

“Osalakwa kutilanga, kutiyang’anira under, kufira ngati mlendo, zoba opanda frenzo…”goes part of the song.

The narrative in Anana shows a good level of appreciation of the man and artist that the 35-year-old has become since he emerged in 2004. Despite the fame and fortune, Piksy has maintained a cool head, with his focus hinging on expanding his artistic breadth.

“I owe it to my parents. They raised me well. I don’t find it hard to stay away from trouble. That contributes to my growth artistically. Corporate institutions partner with me because they know their brand is safe.

“I also follow new music trends. I listen to a lot of up-and-coming artists no matter the genre. I find ways to blend my style with the new trends. But I credit all this to the hand of God,” he said.

His manager and close friend Wisdom Phanga admitted that the album launch means a lot at this point of his career.

He said: “He is a talented artist. He is humble and easy to work with. That is what has made his career to progress so well.”

When the artist finally unveils Mtunda this evening, his fans will remember the little boy who gave them Unamata and assess the metamorphosis that has taken place between then and now. Though markedly different in his demeanour, on stage there will be a guy exuding the same child-like passion.

Piksy said: “I am excited and nervous at the same time. I will give it my best. I know people are coming in numbers and I will not disappoint them.”

As it is, Mtunda may just turn out to be a fraction of his music path, but certainly not everything about his journey.

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