By orchestra Kamanga

Born 43 years ago in the Village Headman Ntete in the Traditional Authority Nsomba in Blantyre district, Collen Ali started music at Apostolic Faith Mission with a praise team.

In 1992, he joined Thukuta band at Chimwankhunda which was owned by Mr. A Chimbayo and at the same year he joined wrappers with Dr Ethel Kamwendo-Banda before joining Super Mingoli in Kasungu in 1993.

Speaking in an interview, Collen ali further said he later joined Makasu Band owned by Late Bright Nkhata of Muloyi fame and later joined Lukuru Band owned by Issac Nyirenda in 1996 which he stayed for 2 years only.

“In the same year of 1996, i joined MBC Band which i stayed for six months after realizing that they were the same people who were at Makasu Band only that they restarted the Band sponsored by jai Banda where we recorded Muloyi,” he said.

Then Collen Ali started Kaligo melodies with his best friend Peter Likhomo and later it was joined by Billy Kaunda.

“In 2004 i went to Botswana with Peter Likhomo and late Daudi Nyirenda who played with Legendary Duncane Sinyaso band,” he said.

He further said he collaborated with Wambali Mkandawire to form Nyasa Band.

“I recorded an album titled up and down the shire with 9 songs,” he said adding that he produced Ndaziona in 2003 before Botswana trip.

He also said he has a band which plays at private functions especially at Scallas club near Robins Park and people can invite him to sing at the weddings and engagements at reasonable price.