Body Mind & Soul is a 6 piece band from Mzuzu (Northern Malawi) led by Davie Luhanga, commonly known as ‘Street Rat’. When asked about this unusual name Davie laughs “I gave myself this name, because that’s what I see when I look into the mirror, a rat!” and adds “when you see me in the street, I move fast, just like a rat”. .. .. The band started out as ‘Souls of the Ghetto’ playing reggae music, like many local bands; they won several local awards such as the Kuche Kuche Music Award and participated in festivals such as the Lake of Stars and Hippy Festival. .... .. .. .. In 2005 the band felt a stronger connection pulling them towards their Malawian roots. They reflected on the importance of sharing their ancient culture in a modern time and after much thought and experimentation created a new musical concept that they are calling ‘voodjaz’. It is a subtle mix of traditional rhythms with a jazzy feel; creating a bridge between past and present Malawian cultures. .... Their first international recognition came in May 2007, when they won the Music Crossroads Southern Africa InterRegional Festival in Harare (Zimbabwe). An important step in their career, as they now embark on the road to their European Tour in summer 2008. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... ....ABOUT Music Crossroads.... .. .. .. Music Crossroads International is a unique youth music empowerment through music program initiated in 1995 by Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI) and presently encompasses five Southern African countries: Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. .... Since the program began 13 years ago it has grown to reach over 45.000 musicians and a combined audience of over 75.000 people every year. MCI is comprised of workshops, festivals and competitions to promote the African traditional and contemporary/ urban music of young African musicians. The project aims at creating sustainable musical structures in the target countries, improving self-awareness and social inclusion of young African individuals. MCI promotes the participation of young women in the program and addresses HIV/AIDS prevention through the Relationship workshops. .... .. .. .. Thanks to the generous support from SIDA (Sweden), the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign affairs and UNESCO, MCI has developed into the largest cultural program in Sub-Saharan Africa and the most important youth empowerment program on the African continent. .... ..www.music-crossroads.net.. .... ..ABOUT Jeunesses Musicales International...... .. .. .. Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI) is the world’s largest youth and music NGO. JMI is a glocal network that enables young people to develop through music across all boundaries. Over 36,000 diverse musical events are held each year in 45 member countries worldwide, that reach a total audience of almost 5 million people. Every event is based on the belief that the powerful force of music can positively affect young people’s lives. For over 60 years, JMI has been 'Making a Difference through Music', using the power of music to bridge social, geographical, racial and economic divides and create an international platform for intercultural dialogue... www.jmi.net .. .. Members .. .. ...... .. .... .. .. .. .. .... ...... Body, Mind & Soul Videos ...... .... .. .. .. .. .. .... .... Introducing Body, Mind & Soul's frontman: Street Rat .... .... .. .. .. .. .. .. ......Meet the Band.... .... .. .... ..Davie 'Street Rat' Luhanga (Lead Vocalist and Band leader).... ..Lusungu Msonda (Lead Guitar).... ..George Msukwa (Percursion) .... ..Evans Makupe (Keyboard).... ..McEwen Manda (Drummer) .... ..Michael Lusale (Bass guitar) .... .. - MySpace