Allan Ngumuya: Four Decades of Faith, Music, and Global Influence
From Malawi to the world, gospel maestro Allan Ngumuya continues his musical journey with “Mfumu ya Mafumu,” blending timeless classics with modern sounds.
Allan Ngumuya, one of Malawi’s most celebrated gospel artists, is preparing to release his 15th studio album, Mfumu ya Mafumu, a project that spans both old favorites and new songs.
Although some have suggested he had paused his musical career, Ngumuya clarifies that he has been actively producing music since 2014.
In 2015, following his election, he released Oosankhidwa Ake, and later in 2018 and 2019, he unveiled The Best of Me, two albums showcasing highlights from his extensive catalogue.
Between 2020 and 2021, Ngumuya released Nyimbo Zotonthoza and Nyimbo za Chilimbikitso, while Adzakhala Adzakhala followed in 2022, affirming his unbroken commitment to gospel music.
He insists that the idea of a “comeback” is inaccurate; his career has continued uninterrupted since 1985, spanning over 40 years.
Ngumuya explains that the apparent silence during his political involvement led some fans to assume he had stepped back, yet he remained creatively active behind the scenes.
Producing an album is a complex and time-consuming process, he notes, often requiring two to three years to craft meaningful, high-quality tracks.
Mfumu ya Mafumu reimagines classic hits alongside new songs, elevating older tracks with modern recording technology to meet contemporary standards.
Many songs were recorded in South Africa with producer Papy Kazati Nsenga, while four tracks were produced in Jamaica, reflecting Ngumuya’s international collaborations.
Ngumuya currently has two albums ready for release, and he is consulting with his marketing team on whether to launch them separately or simultaneously.
His professional and academic journey has been extensive; he spent 16 years in the United States pursuing higher education at Ivy Tech College, Davenport University, and Purdue University, earning a Master’s in Communication in 2009.
Returning to Malawi in 2014, he served as a Member of Parliament until 2019 before relocating back to the United States in 2022, where he now resides permanently.
Ngumuya’s rise to prominence began in the mid-1980s and 1990s, with iconic songs such as Yehovah, Kodi Yesu Asamala, Asamalira Mpheta, Tikakumana Patsidya, Yesu Akubwera, and Misonzi.
He emphasizes that he has never been a pastor; music is his ministry, a tool to reach hearts and families across generations.
A unique feature of his albums has always been the inclusion of a wedding song, a tradition embraced by Malawian families over the decades.
Mfumu ya Mafumu includes collaborations with the late Soldier Lucius Banda, Chifundo Chiwaya, Nkosi, Gift Nkhwangwa, and Gift Bamusi, bridging generational gaps in gospel music.
The album delivers a powerful message about the Kingdom of God, offering spiritual encouragement amidst a world struggling socially, economically, and politically.
Each of the 12 tracks explores diverse musical styles, ranging from Allan Beats and reggae to country, mbaqanga, house, and even amapiano-infused sounds.
Creating music across multiple countries presents challenges, but Ngumuya credits discipline, faith, and decades of experience for sustaining his productivity.
His music will be available on over 50 digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Facebook, and TikTok, ensuring global accessibility.
Ngumuya plans to return to Malawi for live performances next year, promising energetic concerts that combine worship, inspiration, and nostalgia.
He concludes with a message of resilience and hope: “Let’s set politics aside. My music is a call to faith and perseverance. When we fall, we rise again — Tikankhebe, Tidziyendabe.”
