Louis Mhlanga: Strings across time and borders

PATIENCE MUSA

The first time I heard Louis Mhlanga’s music, I was just nine years old.

His haunting track Njuzu played every Thursday on the local show Mvenge Mvenge for a while, and it left an indelible mark on me.

That song bewitched and terrified me in equal measure. It lingered in my young mind, stirring feelings I couldn’t quite understand.

I was mesmerized, spellbound by the sound, yet there was something about it that made me shiver.

I would sit in awe, watching as Louis’long, nimble fingers danced gracefully over his guitar, each strum pulling on invisible strings within me.

So when, years later, a few months ago to be exact, I received a WhatsApp message from the legendary musician himself, it felt nothing short of magical.

The usually unshakable Patience Musa found herself momentarily stunned. It took me over 10 minutes to compose a response, torn between the urge to shout the news from the rooftops and the need to quietly savour the moment that felt like destiny unfolding before me.

 (Louis) Mhlanga’s journey is a rich tapestry of passion, talent, and resilience. Born into a musical family of seven in the vibrant neighbourhood of Mbare and Kambuzuma, Louis was destined for greatness.

His earliest education took him from Chirodzo School in Harare where he completed his grade 7, and to Botswana where he had to start over to Grade Four. A true polyglot, Mhlanga speaks Shona, Tswana, Sotho, Ndebele, and Nyanja with effortless ease, a skill that reflects his wide cultural experiences.

His first guitar came to him, quite literally, thanks to his older brothers, who would leave the instrument lying around after jam sessions with friends.

Curious and determined, young Louis would mimic their finger movements, teaching himself to play.

One of his brothers, Shaft, was a member of the band Tutenkamen, famous for the hit Itai Centi Centi.

From an early age, Louis was surrounded by a wide variety of music: rumba, rock, traditional Zimbabwean rhythms, and the tunes of iconic legends like Thomas Mapfumo.

 At just 18, Louis returned to Zimbabwe and formed the band Baked Beans, alongside notable legendary artists Jethro Shasha and bassist Kookie Tutani.

Their music was a delicious mix of rock and other genres, taking inspiration from greats like Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath.

They went on to record two singles, Poverty and Introduction.

Louis’ musical journey eventually took him to South Africa, where he joined the group Harare before returning to Zimbabwe to collaborate with Jethro Shasha, Talking Drums, and Ilanga.

During this period, Louis helped form the sensational band Unitee with musicians Cleansy Mbirimi and Tanga WekwaSango, aka Ernest Sando. The band wowed audiences and won numerous competitions, cementing their place in Zimbabwe’s musical history.

In the late 1970s, Louis relocated to the UK to study electronic engineering. It was there that he crossed paths with another Zimbabwean legend, Fred Zindi, and contributed to the album Train of Freedom.

 His wanderlust led him next to Nigeria, where he met local celebrities and even though he hadn’t intended on staying there for long, a military coup, grounded him and he ended up extending his stay to over a year.

During this time, brushed shoulders, recorded and produced local Nigerian artists, including the legendary King Sunny Ade’s artists.

Returning to Zimbabwe, Louis reunited with his musical comrades—Jethro Shasha, Kelly Rusike, and Jimi Indi—and they founded Music ye Afrika.

His first solo album, Mukai, preceded by the hit single Njuzu, with his brother William on drums. His talent extended beyond performing as he also served as an administrator at the Ethnomusicology College now known as the Zimbabwe College of Music, and wrote and produced the song Chenjerera which was sung by various Zimbabwean artists as a tribute to a member of the iconic Bhundu boys Dave Mankaba.

In South Africa, where Louis’s brilliance continued to shine, he sessioned with musical giants such as Brenda Fassie and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, leading to the creation of his album Shamwari.

His ability to blend genres, cultures, and languages has made (Louis) Mhlanga not just a Zimbabwean treasure but a beacon of African music, inspiring audiences worldwide.

Currently based in South Africa Louis continues to leave an indelible mark.

In recent years, he has collaborated with a new generation of musicians, mentoring rising stars and contributing his timeless sound to contemporary projects.

His performances are still as mesmerizing as ever, whether he’s on stage at international festivals or in intimate local venues.

Mhlanga’s music continues to evolve, yet remains rooted in the rich traditions that shaped his early career. He has also embraced digital platforms, sharing his artistry with an even wider global audience, proving that his music knows no boundaries.

 The magic of (Louis) Mhlanga continues to unfold.

Earlier this year, he released a captivating double CD titled ‘Living for the living’, a project that showcases not only his mastery of the guitar but also his growth as an artist.

The 19 tracks blend his signature sound with fresh influences, creating a rich tapestry of melodies that cross cultural and musical borders.

Tracks like January Everyday and Dananai evoke a sense of nostalgia while introducing vibrant, new rhythms that speak to both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.

Each song feels like a personal conversation with Louis—intimate, soulful, and filled with the warmth of his unmistakable style.

Living for the Living, is a vibrant and eclectic project that showcases his exceptional musicianship and collaboration with a talented ensemble.

Each track offers a unique blend of sounds, rhythms, and instruments, weaving together influences from across genres and cultures.

Songs like The Messenger and I Wish You Were Mine feature the rich basslines of Michael Phillips and the smooth keys of Randal Skippers, while the captivating rhythms are carried by the percussion of Inor Sotolongo.

Collaborators such as Andy Narell on steel pans in It’s January Everyday and the powerful string duo of Kutlwano Masote (cello) and Kabelo Motlhomi (violin) on tracks like Elsies River and Just for You further elevate the album’s depth and complexity.

A key contributor to the album’s rhythmic heartbeat is the legendary Sam Mataure, whose masterful drumming brings tracks like Kuva Murume and Dananai to life. Mataure, a longtime collaborator of Mhlanga’s, infuses each piece with a sense of precision and soul that grounds the music in its African roots. Alongside other talented musicians like Deny Lallouet, Rob Watson, and Jesus Diaz, Living for the Living stands as a testament to Mhlanga’s ability to craft music that transcends borders while staying true to his rich heritage.

The album spans a wide emotional and sonic range, from the tender nylon string guitar work in Shingirira to the evocative rhythms of Universal Rock, featuring Jesus Diaz on percussion and Deny Lallouet on bass.

Mhlanga’s acoustic and electric guitar prowess is ever-present, and his distinctive style shines through tracks like Living for a Living and the solo piece The Secrets of Pauline. With a carefully curated team of collaborators—like Rob Watson on drums and Tlale Makhene on percussion—the album breathes life into each composition, making Living for the Living a true testament to Mhlanga’s enduring creativity and the lasting impact of his artistry.

This latest release is a testament to Mhlanga’s enduring love for music and his unwavering commitment to his craft. Even after decades in the industry, his passion remains undiminished, and his creative energy continues to inspire.

The double CD is not just an album; it’s a reflection of a lifetime spent pushing boundaries, exploring sounds, and sharing stories through music. For those of us who have followed his journey, it feels like the culmination of everything he has worked towards—a celebration of both his past and his ever-evolving future.

(Louis) Mhlanga’s story is one of relentless passion, of triumphs big and small, of rhythms that speak not just to the ears but to the soul.

His legacy is one that transcends borders, a musical journey that continues to captivate, uplift, and inspire all who hear it.

Since that first message this year, I have been reminded of the power of dreams and the quiet hope that threads through even the most unexpected moments.

(Louis) Mhlanga’s music, once just a haunting melody in my childhood, has become a bridge to a moment that affirmed everything I have worked for.

It reminds me that the universe has a way of bringing things full circle, of connecting us to the very people who inspire us.

And maybe, just maybe, our wildest dreams are always within reach if we keep believing in their magic.

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