Erik Paliani (born 6 September 1975) is a Malawian guitarist, producer, and songwriter.
He is best known for his work with the famous singer Zamajobe Sithole, legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela, and grammy award winning guitarist Lee Ritenour.
His career has been characterized by frequent travel in diverse musical contexts throughout Africa and Europe,
as well as advocacy for musical studies throughout the African continent, especially in Malawi.
Notable Collaborations
Early Life
Paliani began his music career under the tutelage of his father, and already as a young boy attending Primary School was already a member of two bands (the Jess Connection and Paliani Progression), and by his early 20s was a key figure in one of Malawi’s most popular dance bands which recorded two successful albums, “The Acacias”. At this period Erik was leading on guitar while demonstrating his young prodigy abilities also playing ukulele, keyboards and bass guitar.
Career
In the latter half of 1998 and continuing into 1999, Paliani began traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa for musical engagements, and by the year 2000 he had permanently relocated there. While establishing himself in the Johannesburg music scene he joined the bands of Reverend Benjamin Dube, jazz bassist Musa Manzini and pianist Themba Mkhize.
During this time he met singer Zamajobe Sithole, a member of Reverend Dube’s choir. Paliani played a key role as guitarist and producer on Zamajobe’s 2004 debut album Ndawo Yami (Sony BMG Music Entertainment/Giant Steps) which was considered a huge success and for which Paliani was nominated a SAMA award in the category Best Joint Composition. In 2006 Paliani appeared in the film Catch a Fire playing the role of a jazz guitarist. That same year he recorded on three tracks for Lee Ritenour‘s album Smoke ‘n’ Mirrors (Peak Records). Beginning in 2008 he produced several albums including iSiGiDiMi for Xhosa guitarist Mavo Solomon, Zamajobe’s second album Ndoni Yamanzi, followed by the production of Hugh Masekela‘s album Phola in 2009. In 2010, he released his first solo album entitled Chitukutuku which also earned him critical acclaim including another SAMA nomination.
Touring & Musical Education Advocacy
In 2011, Paliani moved to Polokwane city in the Northern Province of South Africa. In Polokwane he collaborated with the Limpopo Arts and Culture Association and taught guitar to young guitarists while still taking part in the Johannesburg musical scene – performing and producing.
In 2014, Paliani briefly toured with the Jamaican legendary duo Sly and Robbie in Johannesburg.
In 2018, he launched the first International Jazz festival in Malawi, The Lilongwe International Jazz Festival. Concurrently, Paliani has also established a recording Studio and Music Studying Centre in Mchinji, Malawi, where local community as well as any other musicians are welcomed to learn Jazz and Musicology.
