Meet Mashallo Samilo

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mashallo Samilo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mashallo below.

Mashallo , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

To be distinctive, it not easy feat to pursue as people will always have expectations. To be alone in the room, thinking outside the box, i had to be strong and resilient. To pursue one’s career particularly talent, people tend to look down on you and i had to be strong even when it seemed i was alone in the boat with special gift of music and poetry. I made a decision at a tender age that i would make it and i didn’t have to follow the crowd. In Africa, our education system teaches us to swallow the facts and be like anybody else aiming for a white collar job but only few had that third eye to see other opportunities floating on river of African dream.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Mashallo Samilo is a versatile artist who straddles the realms of Afro Music and Literature, seamlessly weaving his talents between these two creative worlds. His journey as an artist began at the tender age of 12 when he first started crafting his own lyrics, demonstrating a precocious talent for poetic expression and music. He has published his poetry in Malawi news ; Welcome to Malawi, Bwadzulu, An owl did not hoot and he is widely published in South Africa, Netherlands, the USA, UK, Belgium and Russia. He facilitated a short story competition for Malawi Writers Union Northern chapter in 2017 sponsored by Malawi Revenue Authority.
Mashallo’s dedication to preserving and propagating Malawian cultural heritage is evident in his poetry, which draws inspiration from whole human experience and Malawian culture. He masterfully incorporates these cultural elements into his compositions, creating a vibrant and rich tapestry of sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
In 2012, Mashallo released his inaugural album, “Clueless,” marking his formal entry into the music scene. The album garnered attention for its fresh and innovative sound. In 2014, he revisited and enhanced the album, re-releasing it with additional tracks under the title “No Nah Trepidation.” This early phase of his career showcased his commitment to honing his craft and evolving as an artist.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2018 when Mashallo Samilo unveiled his sophomore album, “Welcome to Malawi,” which was digitally released on December 7th, 2018, under the esteemed French record label, Re reve Africain. This release solidified his position as an artist with a unique voice and a commitment to producing timeless music. His work serves as a bridge between the traditional values of his native Malawi and the contemporary global music landscape. Mashallo’s music is a testament to his belief that culture and art are authentic reflections of a country’s beauty and the spiritual well-being of its people.

As an artist, Mashallo Samilo takes on the role of a storyteller, entrusted with the vital task of passing down narratives from one generation to the next. Through his music and poetry, he weaves tales that encapsulate the essence of Malawi’s cultural values and moral heritage. He views himself as a custodian of Malawian Music and Literature, driven by a sense of duty to contribute to and document the traditional genres that embrace these cultural values.
Mashallo ventured into the realm of literature, publishing a poetry anthology titled Wokoma Nyasa in 2018 and he had a successful launch graced by then Minister of Culture, Wildlife and Tourism, co-authoring a second poetry anthology titled “THE RISING VOICES” with Dr. Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga. This literary work showcases his multifaceted talents and his dedication to elevating the artistic and cultural discourse.
In summary, Mashallo Samilo is a versatile artist whose artistic journey has spanned music and literature. He is deeply committed to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Malawi while seamlessly connecting it to the contemporary world. Through his music and poetry, he not only entertains but also educates and inspires, leaving an indelible mark on both his local community and the global stage.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three pillars that have kept me on focus: Explore more – as an artist, you need to practise your craft endlessly, reading more and listening a lot of genres across the globe to get more inspirations

Secondly, an artist is never developed, i am never satisfied with i what have accomplished, i need still to develop my craft, there is no limit.

Strenght: as a creator, i dont fear failure, i always try to create new content and i urge my fellow artists to forge a head despite failures, challenges, denial and pains that are met on this artistic race, gold is found in a mud with a lot of pressure

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Friends and legendary authors has shaped my creative mill by injecting new skills and sharing exeperiences to me which they have accumulated over the years. I also acquired some skills to fine my music and poetry through collaborating with best and finest Malawian legends namely Dr. Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga, Hoffman Aipira, Overton Chimombo and Sambalikagwa Mvona. Not forgetting Pastor Synord Mweziwina whom i have playing music with since our high school days, we perfected our vocal delivery. In terms of sound engineering, i have borrowed some leaves from Cumbancha founder, Jacob Edgar who is ethnomusicologist and a world music tastermaker and Russian singer Carina La Dulce .

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Mashallo Samilo

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