Masauko Chipembere---Lead vocals and guitars***Mongezi Ntaka---Electric guitar and backing vocals***Diallo House---Upright Bass***Ismail Lawal---Drums***Brian Jackson---Keys.
Influences
Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, Busi Mhlongo,Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Mahlatini and Mahotella Queens, Soul Brothers, Wambali, Brice Wassey, Fela, Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Alan Namoko, KRS-1, Poor Righteous Teachers, De La Sol, Gil Scott and Brian Jackson, Amiri Baraka, Susana Baca, John Lennon, Nick Drake, Monk, Trane, Tears for Fears, Hugh Masekela, Fishbone, Sting, Sonia Sanchez, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway,Oscar Brown jr., Terry Callier,Dwight Tribble, Kamau Daaood, Bill Withers, LKJ, Jimmy Cliff, Olu Dara, Ritchie Havens, Parliment, Jungle Brothers, Tribe Called Quest, and anyone else who would instinctually gravitate towards nature and peace. OCTAVIA BUTLER LIVES! I was also influenced by all my Pasadena crew: Lukecage, Aduifa, Kevin Sandbloom, Damon Aaron, Mike Morgan, Clarence and Pete DaGalvin who I wish had a page so I could hear his songs Sugar,These are the Days and Anywhere you Are.
Sounds Like
I'm trying to figure my spirit out with these songs I write!
Record Label
Fresh music in South Africa /BMG***unsigned in USA
Masauko was born and raised in Los Angeles while his parents were in exile from Malawi Africa. His music is a bridge between his African past and his American present. He started singing in a barber shop quartet at age 7 performing in various schools and at competitions. By 14 he had chosen music as his path for this lifetime. He became a songwriter.
He traveled to Africa for the first time in 1996 passing through Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and ending up in South Africa where he met Neo Muyanga and formed the group Blk Sonshine. Blk Sonshine went on to becoming one of South Africa's favorite groups with two major hits including "Building".
Masauko has performed with: Digable Planets, Mary J. Blige, Dead Prez, Omar,Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela, Joan Baez, Joan Armatradding, Stanley Jordon, Ronny Jordan, Jimmy Dludlu,Talib Kweli, KC and Jojo,Black Thought, Jeru Da Damaga, The Coup, Ernest Ranglin, Ishmael Lo, Chiek Lo, Ray Phiri and Stimela, Busi Mhlongo, Queen, Johnny Clegg, Take 6, Smiff and Wesson, Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, Dwight Tribble, Eugene McDaniels, Dialated Peoples,Susana Baca, Saul Williams and more.
He has had the pleasure of recording with the RZA of WuTang for Tekitha's project and has produced tracks for the Lady Bug Mecca solo CD Tripping the Light Fantastic.
He is currently finishing his first solo CD that features Brian Jackson (of the Gil Scott-Heron Band), Mongezi Ntaka (former Lucky Dube guitarist), Leon Mobley (percussionist for Ben Harper)and the Delic who are one of the hottest young rhythm sections in Brooklyn.
it's been so long. i was on leave, we moved studios so i didn't have access to all these facilities but I'm back now!! how are you doing, how's the music treating you?
I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR BEING A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF FATHERHOOD/UNCLEHOOD!!! I'm so happy that there are brothahs like you in the circle...uncles that my kids can look to for examples of manhood...who hold it down collectively for the community no matter what!!!
Hey Hey Masauko, How are you?? Been a while. Coming through to leave Nuff Blessings of Love and Kindness pon your page. Blessed Heart of Love Iverytime.
Thanks Masauko.I always loved the lyrics 'We grow from seeds to trees' and it is so cool to hear this track again. Gaston says you going to release a new album soon and may be coming to London...am excited about both!Maybe we see you before then in S.A?! Respect! Love Annie.
Hey Masauko, Its been a while.... Come through to feel your vibes here....Is so very Ilaful. I leave you wit Blessings of Love and Kindness. Have a Beautiful Day. One Perfect Love Everytime.
