It all started with the sale of a bike. After moving from East Africa to East London in 1999, Esau Mwamwaya ran a second-hand furniture store down the street from ghettopop duo Radioclit’s studio. The story goes that one of the Radioclit guys bought a bike off of Esau and later invited him to one of their housewarming parties, where they “made friends” and the rest was history. Nearly a year later, Esau is primed to release his debut Radioclit-produced long player on a label TBA.

Growing up in Malawi’s capitol, Lilongwe, Esau played drums in a variety of bands including Masaka Band and also played with the legendary reggae singer Evison “The Prophet” Matafale before he died in late 2001. Prior to his Radioclit collaboration, Mwamwaya sang only cover songs in his previous bands, mostly traditional Malawai tracks. He now writes his own songs inspired by life experiences and nature. Mwamwaya’s work with Radioclit brings together chopa, African reggae, and his angelic traditionally-styled Malawian vocal harmonies spiraled into waves of Radioclit’s synths and everything from house, krunk, and 80s music. The resulting sound is uplifting roots-based funk.

Prior to the release of the Mwamwaya’s LP (which includes collaborations with M.I.A., Vampire Weekend, Santogold, and Bonde Do Role), he’ll release a mixtape which includes a cover of Architecture In Helsinki track “Heart It Races” titled “Kamphopo.” Check out the cover below, along with “Chalo” a demo from his studio work with Radioclit. Those of you living in London can see Mwamwaya this Friday at Notting Hill Art’s Club for Radioclit’s new jungle/bongo dance party “Secousse.”

[MP3]: Esau Mwamwaya  ”Kamphopo”
Mixtape, TBA; 2008
[MP3]: Esau Mwamwaya  ”Chalo”
TBA, TBA; 2008