Yo Boy Qaso: ‘Mbali yakuno’ shining star
His sensational voice got the attention of Malawi’s Rhythm & Blues superstar, Kell Kay, in 2021. The Loss hitmaker selected this budding artist, together with nine others, to be featured in his Ndabwera ndi Nkhani Album. By then, this blossoming Balaka-based artist, Qaso real name Rex Abraham, was known by his stage name, J Recks. Kell Kay took to Facebook and spoke highly of him when Qaso dropped the Kwenda music video: “Guyz ku Malawi kuli luso tisanamizane, this is too much. This guy ndi dolo kooopsa ndipo mundivomeleza mukamvela nyimboyi.” Today, Qaso is thriving with Mbali Yakuno hit song. TEMWA MHONE caught up with him. The excerpts:
Who is Qaso?
My name is Rex Abraham. I am a singer and songwriter. Though I do RnB/Afro Pop, I call my genre Afro-Fusion because I blend solo music and Afro beats. I grew up listening to a lot of musicians, but Bruno Mars is my inspiration and idol.
Qaso: I want our music to be global (Photo Credit: Internet)
When did you start making music?
I started recording my own songs in 2013, but it was in 2016 when I began taking music seriously
Talk about your breakthrough moment in the industry?
It should be mid-2023 when I did an open verse challenge for a Joe Kellz song. This opened so many lucrative doors that I even got recognised by my previous record label: Akometsi. Things started to flow, heading in the right direction that I wanted and projected.
What song brought you to the limelight?
All these years, it is my recent release, Mbali Yakuno, which has gotten me the desired attention. People are now also enjoying my previous songs because of this one.
What messages or themes are in your songs?
I cannot pick a theme because I am versatile and I hit everywhere. Life does not revolve around one theme. Music has to connect with people who have a lot of things and stories. I just strive to keep my music soulful to connect with people on a deeper level.
Qaso: Soaring high in the music industry (Photo Credit: Internet)
Mbali Yakuno is enjoying airwaves everywhere in the country. What is your say on this success?
There is a saying in Chichewa: Fumbi ndiwe mwini [toot your own horn]. First of all, I congratulate myself on the feat. I also thank God for the song because it was, He who gave me the song.
What should Malawians expect from Qaso?
All I can say is people should expect great music from me.
Our music industry is growing. What do you love about it, and what would you like to see improved?
There is plenty of room for any artist out there who has not made it yet. Keep on making music, and the industry will welcome you. I want our music to be global such like music from Tanzania and Nigeria.
