It's garnered more than 80 million views on TikTok and an additional seven million on YouTube and spawned mash-ups and remixes, but the man behind viral Malawian song Linny Hoo has no idea how social media works. He doesn't even own a smartphone.
At 92, singer Giddes Chalamanda was, until recently, blissfully unaware that he had become a social media star, although now has an inkling of his online fame.
"They come and show me the videos on their phones, but I have no idea how it works," he told AFP. "But I love the fact that people are enjoying themselves and that my talent is getting the right attention."
Chalamanda, who's been performing for more than 70 years, first recorded the song Linny, an ode to one of his daughters, in 2000. Then in 2020, gospel artist Patience Namadingo approached him to record a reggae remix titled Linny Hoo.
The black-and-white video shows a smiling, gap-toothed Chalamanda jamming with Namadingo under a tree outside his home, while a group of neighbours look on.
The video soon went viral on YouTube and then landed on TikTok where it became all the rage with users creating their own remixes as part of a #LinnyHooChallenge.
Sung in Chewa, one of Malawi's most widely spoken languages, Linny Hoo's lyrics are a mash-up of the original song's lyrics, in which Chalamanda sings about a "wise girl" named Linny, and then progresses to him and Namadingo playfully touching on everything from Chalamanda's old hits as well as Namadingo's marriage, and immigrating to America.
"When his music starts playing in a club or at a festival, everyone gets the urge to dance. That is how appealing it is," musician and long-time collaborator Davis Njobvu told AFP.
"The fact that he has been there long enough to work with the young ones is special."
Chalamanda said he has no idea how to secure royalties for the TikTok plays, but hopes to benefit financially from his new-found stardom.
"I am just surprised that despite the popularity of the song, there is nothing for me," he said. "While I am excited that I have made people dance all around the world, there should be some gain for me. I need the money."
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Specs
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
MATCH DETAILS
Chelsea 4
Jorginho (4 pen, 71 pen), Azpilicueta (63), James (74)
Ajax 4
Abraham (2 og), Promes (20). Kepa (35 og), van de Beek (55)
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WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Rating: Four stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The Energy Research Centre
Founded 50 years ago as a nuclear research institute, scientists at the centre believed nuclear would be the “solution for everything”.
Although they still do, they discovered in 1955 that the Netherlands had a lot of natural gas. “We still had the idea that, by 2000, it would all be nuclear,” said Harm Jeeninga, director of business and programme development at the centre.
"In the 1990s, we found out about global warming so we focused on energy savings and tackling the greenhouse gas effect.”
The energy centre’s research focuses on biomass, energy efficiency, the environment, wind and solar, as well as energy engineering and socio-economic research.
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Roll of honour 2019-2020
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership
UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes
UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II
UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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'Outclassed in Kuwait'
Taleb Alrefai,
HBKU Press
Ponti
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Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster with a decades-long career in TV. He has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others. Karam is also the founder of Takreem.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
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On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
