Patcho Mwamba: The man behind FM Academia speaks out on comeback, critics and the future

Dar es Salaam. A famous FM Academia band's dance musician, also known as the ‘Full Dose’ band, Patcho Mwamba Lukusa, has revealed the secret behind the band's comeback and rapid market capture.

He says he and the bandmates want to prove it to those who thought their return would be like a flash in the pan.

It is hard to discuss dance music in Tanzania without mentioning famous names in the field, including Patcho Mwamba Lukusa, the director of the 'Full Dose' Band.

The last time the band entertained its fans was in 2017, after which the name FM Academia completely disappeared from the dance music scene in the country.

In an exclusive interview conducted by The Citizen recently, Mwamba, who is a DR Congo national, said their plan to revive the band was, however, met with much ridicule from some fans and stakeholders, especially on social media, who predicted that the band would be dead within three months.

"We have silenced our critics; now, we have remained with those stubborn ones, who, however, accept us internally. This is because when I brought back the name FM Academia from CP Academia, I was heavily criticised, even insulted, and told that the band would not last three months before disbanding. That is why we are determined to succeed after being driven by their words."

"I was told that I am not a good leader to manage the band because of my short temper and inability to maintain discipline, that I am one of those people lacking leadership discipline," says Patcho, adding, "None of that is true."

He says that they currently have three new songs that they have released and are planning to release the videos of the songs soon. The songs are 'Kumbe ni Yeye,' which was co-written by some of the bandmates, 'Shani,' written by Patcho Mwamba himself, and 'Ukweli Tiba,' written by the late Malu Stonch.

He adds that the band's goal is to rise to greater heights within the next five years without going down.

Ironic expert claim

It is claimed that Patcho Mwamba enjoys composing taunting lyrics in his songs and even freestyling on stage to mock those who doubted he would succeed.

“It's not true. I don't compose songs to taunt anyone or freestyle to mock others while on stage. Perhaps people don't know this, but my talent for taunting lyrics is natural, and I studied it when I was young in school. There's a French book called 'Empa Vere' that covers everything," says Patcho.

He urges rival bands to compete

"Nothing frustrates and surprises me more than when another band refuses to compete with FM Academia. You may find a sponsor willing to organise a competition between FM Academia and another band, but the latter refuses. I didn't know why before, but now I understand the reason—they fear our fire," he says.

Disputes with bandmates

"No band musicians are without conflicts among themselves; you may sometimes find that some even reach the point of kicking one another out of the band. To me, when my colleagues and I argue, it ends there, and we continue with our work as usual.

“If I’m harsh, please ask the band leader because if I respond, it will look like I'm defending myself, and after all, you can't be angry without any apparent reason.

"I arrive late to work every day and find my colleagues already working. So, what time should I censure them?" asks Patcho.

The song he loves

"I am a songwriter and a singer as well. I have featured in singing and composing many songs, but I particularly love the song 'Dunia Kigeugeu,' although I’m not the one who composed it. That song was composed by Elombe Kichinja. There's also the song 'Shani,' which I did compose myself. I love that song," says the star.

Challenges

"Running a dance band comes with many challenges. It requires patience in the work because there are times when it generates income and other days when it doesn't. You can't just decide to quit; instead, you need to ask yourself why you're facing a shortfall and what you need to do is to make money as you used to," he advises.

Bongo movies

Aside from singing, Patcho Mwamba is also an actor, a role he has embraced since the era of the late Steven Kanumba. He earned fame in several films, including 'Bado Natafuta', 'This is It', 'Love and Power', 'Deception', and 'Young Billionaire'.

He says that since entering the film industry as his other talent, he has benefited and gained recognition as an actor. He explains that his ambition is to go far in this art form which is why he enjoys playing any role assigned to him by film or drama producers.

"I am still actively involved in acting. For those who follow our TV dramas and films, they see me there. I have featured in many dramas, including Chuchu Hans' 'Beki Tatu' which aired at the end of last year, and others in preparation, which will come out soon. Currently, the television drama market is growing, and there are many opportunities available," he says.

He admires Harmonize

"Among the artistes of the new generation, I highly admire Harmonize, and I was very pleased to see President Samia Suluhu attend his album launch to see what he's up to. This is very encouraging.

"However, the artistes of the new generation are supposed to strive to compose constructive songs, I mean those songs with understandable lyrics. They should refrain from copying foreign songs and stop fixating on Amapiano," he says.

Mwamba advises fellow musicians to focus on their work and avoid gossip, adding that if he meets President Samia Suluhu Hassan, he will tell her that the musicians in the dance genre have been forgotten and need significant support from her.

An ardent Yanga fan

"I am an ardent Yanga fan, and I admire Joyce Lomalisa a lot, not only because he is a fellow Congolese, but also because he knows how to play football skillfully. He is a master of the game," says Patcho.