Jazz · Lilongwe · Malawi · 1 track
Lawi (Francis Chris Phiri, b. 1986, Blantyre) is a Malawian Afro-jazz and Afro-soul singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. His name means “custodian of wisdom” in Ngoni.
He started playing guitar in church as a boy, later shifting from early hip-hop experiments to a soulful blend of Malawian traditions, jazz, and world music. Key albums include his 2013 self-titled debut, Sunset in the Sky (2017), Thirties (2022), and My Father’s Land (2025). Hits like “The Whistling Song” and “Amaona Kuchedwa” helped build his reputation.
He has performed with artists such as Jimmy Dludlu, Ray Phiri, and Awilo Longomba, won Malawian Music Awards recognition, and earned an All Africa Music Awards nomination. Beyond music, he serves as a global ambassador for Mary’s Meals and promotes Mount Mulanje conservation.
