Mbulelo Mpofu in Lilongwe, Malawi
MALAWIAN award-winning musician Dan Lu is looking to deepen his musical ties with Zimbabwe, with a potential collaboration with Andy Muridzo high on his wish list following his successful partnership with Baba Harare and Freeman HKD.
The singer, born Dan Lufani, has fond memories of Zimbabwe, dating back to his first visit 18 years ago when he was selected to represent Malawi at a gathering of young artistes from across Africa. The experience exposed him to established musicians from across the continent and inspired him to work harder.
His connection with Zimbabwean music later grew through the 2022 hit Ndauya, a collaboration with Baba Harare and Freeman HKD that demonstrated the creative possibilities of partnerships across borders.
Now, as he prepares to release his third album, This Is Me!, on 28 October, Dan Lu is looking to build on those relationships while telling his own story through music.
The project traces his journey from childhood to more than two decades in the music industry, reflecting on the struggles, lessons and triumphs that have shaped him.
For the musician, whose catalogue includes popular songs such as Part of Life, Mphete, Nsanje and Driver, the album is more than another addition to his discography. It is an opportunity to draw on his experiences to inspire others facing life’s uncertainties.
“The album is telling my story from childhood up to now. You know in this world they are ups and downs, what I went through anyone can relate cause we are staying and facing some problems. So, I thought of putting them together so that I inspire and encourage some people,” he said.
Dan Lu, who hails from Mangochi, Malawi, said his first trip to Zimbabwe had left a lasting impression on him.
“First of all, Zimbabwe is a beautiful country, lovely people. I was selected in my country as a young talented musician to represent Malawi. I had a great experience cause I was among big artistes all over Africa and it helped me to work extra hard and it made who I am today,” he said.
His relationship with Zimbabwean music took another step forward with Ndauya, in which he joined Baba Harare and Freeman HKD. The song’s official music video, directed by Blaqs Official, showcased the appeal of bringing together artistes from different musical backgrounds.
Dan Lu said the Zimbabwean musicians approached him to contribute to the track, after which he recorded his part and sent it to them.
“They are very talented musicians and I thank God they chose me to be in the song. I recorded my part and sent to them. It came out differently, so professionally. That’s when I knew that everything is possible as long as you are dedicated,” he said.
The experience strengthened his belief that African musicians can achieve more by working together, regardless of their nationalities or the differences between their local music industries.
His collaborative catalogue also includes work with Kenya’s Nameless, Zambia’s K-Millan, South Africa’s Bongani Fassie and fellow Malawian Tay Grin.
“It has been a great journey full of experience and learning. Africa is one no matter where you’re coming from. We have something in common that no one can take away from us,” he said.
With his sights now set on Andy Muridzo, Dan Lu hopes to add another Zimbabwean name to his list of collaborators. While details of the proposed partnership are yet to emerge, the prospect reflects his desire to build on the relationships he has developed in the country.
Beyond his Zimbabwean connections, Dan Lu has built a career that has established him as one of Malawi’s recognised Afro-pop voices.
His journey began in the early 2000s when he joined the renowned Zembani Music Company, eventually becoming its bandleader. The experience gave him a strong foundation in performance and musicianship before he established his own Rockers Band.
His breakthrough came through songs such as Part of Life, whose success, alongside the album No Size, helped cement his position in Malawi’s music industry.
In 2011, he won the Best Afro-Pop Artiste award at the Malawi Music Awards, marking a significant milestone in his career.
A vocalist, songwriter and instrumentalist, Dan Lu also plays keyboards and has experience in music production and studio arrangement. His releases include Shupie, Khaze and So What?, while more recent songs such as Imfa, Pumani, Ndapata, Akalamba and Onse have kept him connected with his audience.
His 2023 song Imfa attracted considerable attention in Malawi, with the musician reporting that it generated more than K15 million in its first week of release.
As the release of This Is Me! approaches, Dan Lu is turning his attention to the personal experiences behind his music, using the album to reflect on the journey that has brought him this far.
— @MbuleloMpofu
