Never Chatsengela, popularly known as Nenkoman, may not be a household name in music but he is a whizz kid who has been around for a long time.

His 2006 'Dziko Ndilozunza' single catapulted him into music limelight. The musician has just secured a contract with Airtel Malawi to produce a number of promotional songs.

But it is his association with the country's big music names like Lucius Banda and Lulu which has given him that forward push.

"I believe that when you associate yourself with the wise, you gain knowledge. That is the reason why I always draw myself closer to giant musicians in order to learn something from them," says Nenkoman.

He cites his relationship with local R&B superstar Lulu whom he says gave him a platform to be introduced to music.

"I regard Lulu as my brother because he has helped me a lot musically. From the time I was introduced to Malawi music industry, Lulu has been featuring me in his various songs," says the 23-year-old.

The Lilongwe-based musician is a shining example of Malawi's artists with humble beginnings. He started his career using home-made equipment in his village of Nakuwala in T/A Njewa in Lilongwe.

"Meeting with a particular big artist today would mean learning a new thing because I keep on asking them questions about the secret behind their success. I believe questions help one to have thorough knowledge on a particular thing," says Nenkoman.

Nenkoman says he took a leading role in his own established childhood music grouping called Young Servants band which used to perform around his community.

"This was a family band which was entertaining the villagers during special occasions like weddings. Since we hardly had our own compositions, we used to do cover versions of popular songs done by artists like Lucius Banda, Mlaka Maliro and Charles Nsaku," says Nenkoman.

But it was in 2006 when Nenkoman released his debut album, Ndimakukonda.

"I must admit that Ndimakukonda was immature because I released it while I was in form three at Chipasula Secondary School. I didn't have the skills yet. So, I withdrew it from public consumption despite the title track enjoying massive airplay," says Nenkoman.

However, it was his single 'Dziko Ndilozunza' which earned him respect in music circles and a health working relationship with other artists.

Now, Nenkoman whose music is centred on perseverance, is finalising work on his official debut album with Lulu at Eclipse Studios in Lilongwe.

Nenkoman says he plans to revive his home band Young Servants when he graduates into a full artist.

"My aim is to stage live performances with my own band, hence the idea to revive Young Servants band," says Nenkoman.