Master-Disciple Relationship in Finger-Style Guitar: Donald Kachamba and Christopher Gerald

This study explores the master-disciple relationship within the finger-style guitar tradition of Malawi, specifically focusing on the connection between Donald Kachamba and his disciple Christopher Gerald, also known as Khilizibe. While Gerald inherited the technical foundations and rhythmic patterns of his master, he introduced individual creative innovations, such as the use of minor chords and a sophisticated melodic-rhythmic exchange between voice and guitar. By examining their compositional styles and lyrical themes, the research illustrates the dynamics of continuity and change in Central African music, highlighting how a musical legacy is preserved and transformed through individual artistic expression.