Music

Songs from Pandama

This album came about so spontaneously. I had to go from my home in Malawi to New York with Madalitso Band, and I could see Guyana was right there and so close. I'd only ever been once years ago, but now, since I had just written the historical piece about my ancestry, 'The Indentured Wayfarer', it felt like time to revisit.

When I got in touch with a local musician, Gavin Mendonca, he suggested we record some music in the rainforest. While we didn't get quite that far, it was the catalyst that led to meeting up at Pandama Retreat and recording these songs. I chose a collection of songs that I felt fitted with the environment and pushed record. It's just my voice and guitar, with some backing vocals from the insects and occasional raindrops offering up some percussion.

To begin with it will be available only on Bandcamp, which is a platform that allows you to pay and download or stream for free. Something else nice about Bandcamp is that you get the lyrics to all the songs.

Over the next weeks and months I'll be sharing the stories behind all the songs by little newsletters like this. Subscribe below to stay in the loop. Thank you so much for being with me at this stage of my new musical adventure. Enjoy. x

Earlier Recordings (available on Bandcamp and/or streaming platforms)

• Transition - EP (2022)
• Made in Malawi - Album (2014) | by Neil and the New Vibration
• Pencil Songs - Album (2010)