Rashley and Driemo: A Tale of Rise, Fall and the Shifting Sound of Malawi’s RnB
In Malawi’s fast-changing RnB scene, few stories capture both the fragility and resilience of stardom better than those of Rashley and Driemo. Once celebrated as one of the country’s brightest star, Rashley saw his career unravel almost overnight, while a young Driemo — then virtually unknown — began his ascent.
Today, their journeys are intertwined again, this time in a narrative of forgiveness and second chances. Between 2018 and 2021, Rashley was at the centre of Malawi’s urban music movement. His smooth vocals and stage presence earned him a loyal following, and by the time of the inaugural Maso Awards in 2021, he was so sought-after that organisers could not afford to book him. Ironically, the headline slot went instead to Driemo, a then-upcoming artist. But Rashley’s momentum was soon undone by a nude leak scandal, which not only damaged his reputation but also abruptly halted his flourishing career.
In contrast, Driemo’s rise has been remarkable. Now one of the nation’s most bankable artists, he boasts four Maso Awards and a loyal fan base that stretches beyond Malawi’s borders. His recent appearance on Zambia’s ZMB Show with Edna inadvertently brought Rashley back into the spotlight when he cited a story echoing Rashley’s fall. The comment prompted Rashley to go live on social media, appealing to the public for sympathy and forgiveness.
The response was unexpectedly warm. Fans and well-wishers rallied behind him, with many expressing that every artist deserves a second chance. In the space of days, Rashley has gone from being a cautionary tale to a figure of renewed hope — a reminder that careers can be rebuilt, and reputations restored.
The stories of Rashley and Driemo are not just about music, but about the cycles of fame, redemption and the enduring power of the Malawian audience to embrace and forgive.
If Rashley’s comeback continues to gather momentum, Malawi’s RnB scene could soon be witnessing a rare moment — the coexistence of two generations of talent that once stood at opposite ends of the stage.