Keturah - "All the way from Africa"

"This is a happy song. Where I express how good it feels to travel and I introduce myself to people. I invite them to come and visit my country, to see the beauty of Malawi and of Africa". - Keturah
Directed by: Keturah & Jeremy Steinberger
Edited by: Jeremy Steinberger
Assistant Editor: James Dayton
Director of Photography: Matt Klepner
1st AC: Ali Arminio
Additional Visuals by: Randi Malkin Steinberger
Drums: background vocals: Mermans Mosengo
Conga: shaker: Magatte Sow
Bass: Kaveh Rastegar
Acoustic & electric guitars, background vocal: Jason Tamba
Lead vocals: Keturah
Song by Keturah, Jason Tamba and Harlan Steinberger
From the warm heart of Malawi, Africa rises Keturah, a 27-year-old virtuoso arriving to the world stage with her self-titled debut. A 10-track odyssey chronicling Keturah’s journey from the tiny remote home village of Monza to the shores of Venice, California, Keturah updates traditional Malawian folk with contemporary rhythms from the greater African diaspora, a cultural exchange made possible through a unique opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to record her first full-length project.
Having never stepped foot on an airplane, let alone leave Malawi, Keturah's 30-hour trip proved to be a significant leap forward in an artist’s journey that began on foot. As a child, Keturah first realized her musical potential on walks through her village with her uncle. He’d strum his guitar and sing ballads. She’d just watch and listen until eventually gaining the confidence to join in with her own melodies. In song, she began to form a connection with her community that had long been elusive. As a child she mostly kept to herself, often feeling more like an elder than a friend to her peers. She found solace in her thoughts or those of her mother, who often sat her down to share wisdom through stories and memories. The two became best friends until she passed away when Keturah was only 13. Having already lost her uncle, Keturah turned to music as a way of carrying forward her family's message.
Not yet fourteen, but determined to reach a larger audience, again Keturah set out on foot, this time for Blantyre, Malawi’s second largest city, where she hoped to find a recording studio. She met a local producer who was so impressed by her voice that he offered to record her for free. Keturah put down one song that eventually made its way onto radio, launching her music career with releases empowering listeners to connect their Malawian identity as a way to realize their own power. The attitude resonated, Keturah earned the nickname “Naliyela, Local Girl” as she rose to the status of Malawian celebrity.
Her talent soon caught the eye of French Honorary Consul Luc Deschamps, who runs the Jacaranda Foundation, a Malawian school for orphans and its cultural center. He recognized her potential and connected her with Harlan Steinberger, director of Hen House Studios, an independent music label and recording studio, churning out roots and world music in Venice, California. Jacaranda arranged for Keturah to travel to Los Angeles to record at Hen House in July of 2022. She arrived with voice notes featuring roughly sketched melodies over lo-fi guitar and let Harlan mold things from there. He hoped to elevate the demos into anthems by calling in Playing for Change co-founder Mark Johnson and surrounding Keturah with an all-star cast of musicians, including the rhythm section of the Playing for Change Band (Jason Tamba and Mermans Mosengo), bass player Kaveh Rastegar (John Legend, Bruno Mars), Magatte Sow (Senegalese drummer featured on the Black Panther soundtrack), seasoned Kora player Prince Diabate, Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson's long-time harmonica player), The Doors drummer John Densmore (percussion), soul singer Chris Pierce, Zimbabwean guitar legend Louis Mhlanga and the young Stones Throw pianist Jamael Dean.
The album journeys through a dynamic blend of genres, from the lively, upbeat afro-folk-funk rhythms of "Kwanumkwanu" to the emotive ballads of "Sukulu" and "Chimbalame", the Americana inspired “Nchiwewe” and more lighthearted tracks such as "All The Way from Africa" and "Ku Nyumba." Keturah's exceptional songwriting and powerful vocals are elevated by intricate percussion, melodic guitar lines, subtle backing vocals and horns, creating an eclectic album that showcases her talent as an African songstress ready to make a global impact.

[@mathewslambulira5115]

I should be the first one to comment, so that everyone who likes my comment takes me back to this masterpiece. Quality music 🎶,🎉🎉. I have always wished this lady success. Her story, hard work and talent should pay off.

[@MathewsZulu-vt3oc]

This is another level

[@felixphiri441]

Nyimbo mbambande 👌👌👌

[@lupengaholdings2406]

Best on top

[@chimwemwedulla6760]

Very impressive❤❤❤

[@philo_laps]

This is good music

[@shahchiramilamadzi-dr5hd]

Talk of fine songs

[@jamesmatipwiri3765]

Too good

[@ChimutuPilirani]

Perfect

[@giftsuliwa4976]

Amazing

[@lameckjonasmathiya8349]

Warm heart

[@casilasjawadu1586]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marthayollam]

So talented

[@sandebakali2716]

This tune is amazing. Very authentic, representing Africa💥, Malawi.

[@mwakanamsukwa5559]

Beautiful mwana wa mayi

[@user-el3ry6uh3t]

Shash🙌

[@emmaculatetiosweembenje7115]

Ketu babe❤️🔥

[@titanleonard1855]

🔥

[@anafieanafie]

Uyuyu chibwana alibe amatha

[@brendamuhamba]

So nicee

[@paulomwale3247]

❤💯

[@davengwixy49]

❤❤

[@Victor.Chisi24]

Mwana wamama❤❤

[@wonganicalvinkaunda8325]

Zambia Approves💯💥💥💥

[@shakirahissah5381]

❤❤❤all the way from africa

[@evancephiri2286]

am proud of you ase

[@rainJCMw]

Nice song mama

[@JamesKhoviwa-nr9yb]

Nice composure

[@tituschirwa455]

Ichi chimaswa nyimbo ,O the from africa

[@user-tz7ps4jd2j]

Ine ndine m'Malawi ❤

[@comfortkabango4704]

Wooow wwwoooooo just woooow 😭❤️❤️❤️❤️I love you ketu❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chimwemwedulla6760]

Keturah you are one of the greatest african womens when it comes to music industry👏👏👏👏👏keep up the good work

[@MacdonaldChimwaza-bn9cu]

Nice 👍

[@therndabt]

Beautiful woman, beautiful African dress, authentic everything

[@chifunirokachingwe2627]

Grâce à the instruments

[@vincenttaferanyika6176]

Wow this is beautiful, I love a person who is patriotic to his or her mother land, ketula I didn't know that u r such a good singer, I really love your songs and keep the fire burning, wow I can't manage to express my happiness but all in all keep on entertaining us, this is beautiful, we are malawi🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼🇲🇼

[@petermwenda6767]

The first I have liked from all your songs, This is very beautiful... continue working hard.

[@paulchinkhunda1193]

Iweo umatha aise.. this is fabulous.. love this song

[@preciouskachingwe4994]

Keturah

[@tinyade.s]

The video is so beautiful, Keturah is so beautiful and the song just warms my heart. Thank you Keturah❤️inspiring

[@pethias101]

That's a real African tune there. Zambia🇿🇲

[@henrymanjawira]

Products of warm heart of Africa. very interesting song.

[@deejaybobybrasil1]

Lindo de mais 👏🏿👏🏿🖤👑

[@ngugi5444]

One thing i know about keturah is that her talent & her matured music will take her far beyond.

[@unrulydread713]

"Wake up Ethiopia! Wake up Africa! Let us work towards the one glorious end of a free, redeemed and mighty nation. Let Africa be the bright star among the constellation of nations" Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

[@andrewchimwala1725]

"All the Way from Africa", has exposed your talent and versatility has shone through as you effortlessly delivers a superb performance. The sound of the song is reminiscent of the legendary Angelique Kidjo, showcasing your ability to channel powerful African vibes. It's intriguing to see the evolution in your journey. In your previous album, you shared the story of an uncle who promised to take Naliyela (guess you are the Naliyela) to England. However, the video for "All the Way from Africa", takes us on a different path, as it is shot in the vibrant landscapes of the USA and Malawi. While your physical destination may not be England, it's evident that you have embraced new opportunities and experiences. "All the Way from Africa" showcases your ability to transcend borders and connect with audiences worldwide. Your soulful voice, combined with the infectious rhythms of the song, creates a mesmerizing experience for listeners. You have truly found your own unique sound and style, carving a path that is uniquely yours. As a fan and a music enthusiast, I can only applaud you for your exceptional talent. It elevates the beauty and richness of African music to new heights. I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead, as you continue pushing to penetrate the global music scene. By the way nane ndikufuna ticket to the show.

[@tinyade.s]

Very well said and yeah I love how the song munditengengereko talks about a dream and this music video is like a response or fulfillment of that dream.

[@andrewchimwala1725]

@@tinyade.s Can't agree more with you

[@lameckgrandson]

Ya ❤

[@josephmoses8337]

Uwu ndi ufiti kobas,nyimbo simakoma chinchi ah

[@masulaniphiri9540]

You are such an amazing lady Keturah ...and I personally love you 😍😍😍

[@MacdonaldChimwaza-bn9cu]

I love your songs keturah they reflect true colors of Malawi

[@kashambar]

Wow, this is just great ✌🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@ChifundoChiwayula-iq8kd]

Mbambande

[@aliyengie]

You remain the best female artist for me🎉

[@kennedydulira1799]

Pure African sounds

[@amonjericomoffat]

Artistic mind 🔥📌 I like everything about this video

[@user-fj5rh9yv4q]

Wow true reflection of mother Malawi ❤❤❤

[@shyreenmvula5957]

Wow! This is flawless. Pure talent and you give the best music local girl.

[@patricianamanjankhoma9149]

Woow! unique and authentic. Am loving this. True African queen💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@jamescassidy5852]

Beautiful music . Hope you see many beautiful places. Thanks

[@stevephaka9253]

The massage and the sound is top notch 👌 Thank you for always being the best

[@dicksonbanda5731]

wow this is so so so great, beautiful african attire 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@pamelamndau-wl3ge]

Mkaziyu ndiwokongola

[@markmakwakwa6148]

Malawe🎉🎉

[@hildachangazi9741]

As usual u deliver my sweetheart. Good music I love u

[@falesslesamuel]

I love u and I love ur songs. Beautiful video 🔥🔥

[@LumbaniSmith]

I love everything about the songs 🔥

[@kelvinmaliko3987]

This is majestic music ❤

[@kabaka1895]

Music that heals

[@user-yl2uc8qk7y]

This is real art

[@ruthmhango1811]

The song is lit 🔥🔥🔥💯

[@calisterchilalire8703]

Wow such songs make me feel so proud of being African... I love this song

[@chifunirochabuka7962]

A call for a visit 😍🥰

[@maxwellchilima5440]

I love her music ,

[@henrypumbwimwasinga4627]

Oooh yes 🇲🇼🇲🇼🌹🌹🌹

[@masulaniphiri9540]

Keturah very impressive 😘😘

[@ephraimchiunjiza2476]

Music!

[@wysonmatiki2076]

Keturah ..........ndilibe chonena.

[@martinstenitzer8782]

Yes keturah, a wonderful song, your dream is true, you can make what you love, congratulation ❤😊

[@BridgetChiodzeka-kj5vi]

I trust you my black diamond 😍😍😍😍

[@aminkaunda]

Sweetie melody 🔥

[@bostonmatebule]

Wow this is nice song ketu❤❤

[@shadreckmilward9947]

Well on point Keturah!!! Good music 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@archdukeacine3944]

Malawi superstar 🎉🎉

[@ChisomoKaipa-kx5uh]

One of the best artists from my country Malawi (Warm heart of Africa)

[@thommajamanda9388]

Iyiyi mwapha mayi Chisale keep it up

[@andrewngwira2781]

Wow, i love this song

[@ishmaellatinho5921]

The song 🔥🥰

[@hamiltonnazombe1590]

Ketu to di world 🌎..Malawi to di 🌎

[@eversonnamalomba1994]

Wow ! This song is so nice I like it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@donnexphilbertkondowe4354]

Another great song from you... Keep raising the standards Ketu❤

[@RegisterKashoni]

Nice song 👍

[@mariabilliat9266]

Beautiful ❤️

[@johntobias897]

Sweet sounds from Africa. Love your music from Malawi❤️

[@MphatsowBanda]

Wow I like this song ❤❤❤

[@AndradeisaacDavid]

The dream comes true, malume adakutengani kuti mukawone, popeza mumamafuna kupita kukawona based on Munditengeleko❤

[@mellinessphiri6941]

Sweet Melody Turah♥️♥️🔥🔥🔥

[@maximianomvula3214]

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 This is nice

[@iamGargxy02]

Nice song 🔥🔥🔥

[@peterharrison7545]

I love this song ❤❤❤❤

[@paulmwale6673]

Beautiful local tune

[@CLINTONCHIPINDA]

I enjoyed it