Patrick Simakweli

The talented guitarist and Jazz composer, Patrick “Apatsa” Simakweli, hails from Chapotela Village, Traditional Authority Kuntaja, in Blantyre. Born on the 28th of July, 1953, his passion for music was fueled by early choir practice sessions he watched of his mother who was a member of the Catholic Church Choir.

Under the tutelage of Don Mlenga, Che Chamba and Geoffrey Wawanya, Simakweli graduated from strumming his home made Jerrycan guitar to become a renowned multi-instrumentalist performing in bands such as, Los Muchachos, New Makasu Band with Bright Nkhata (RIP), as well as Mtambo Band.

His son, Sam Simakweli, is also a member of Lucius Banda’s Zembani Music Group (ZMG).