A possible electrical fault with a vehicle in the main car park caused a fire at Lake of Stars on Saturday night.

High winds and simmering embers led to a secondary fire and four cars were destroyed in the process.

Several other vehicles were moved away from the site as a precaution and the area was securely cordoned to prevent further damage.

“Thanks to the efficient collaboration of Lake of Stars security teams, the Malawi Defence Force and Kabumba Hotel. The fire was quickly contained before becoming a major incident and without any injury or threat to life. We are extremely sorry that this has happened to impact what has otherwise been a fantastic festival so far. Our thoughts are with those whose cars and possessions have been damaged,” said Will Jameson, director of the festival in a statement issued on Sunday.

He added: “People intending to come to the festival and purchase tickets at the gate should check our social media for updates about entry as we are currently taking extra precautions for public safety. Until further notice we will not be admitting anyone today (Sunday) unless they already have an advance ticket or a festival wristband. Please do not travel or you will be turned away at the check point if you do not have one of these.”

In what promises to be one of the major Christian Entertainment Gala concert in 2018, preparations are at an advanced stage for the return of what is coined as HAEZ – Have And Enjoy Life(Zoe).

This is a Raised For a Purpose (RFP) Ministry’s initiative that aims at identifying, developing and promoting various talents under its Music and Arts arm of Ministry.

RFP’s Music and Arts National Director, Pastor Emma Mwasinga said “the night of 27th October the world will witness an out of this world display of skills and talent”.

“Last year we did not hold the event because we were still putting the team together. We now have a team of experts that is helping in talent development, we are now set to show the world what we have been working on” She said.

Not only is the ministry ready to showcase new talent but also legends from within the ministry that have taken a good stand in the Gospel circles.

HAEZ is purely Christian entertainment carried by men and women that are using their skills and talent for the furtherance of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The event will be held on the night of 27th October at RFP’s Tent of His Love and Glory, also known as TLG (next to Robins Park). There will be Dances, Music performances, Spoken Word, art exhibition, stand up Comedy, Fashion show, DJ competition and many more.

“This is a free event, but the experience will be worth much more than money can buy, ” Mwasinga said.

HAEZ is an acronym derived from John 10:10  (amplified translation)…I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Exactly seven days after it’s release, I win by Lonje gains him a trending artists on one of the music streaming and sharing site, maluso.com.

Lonje’s consistency this year is paying off, getting himself a spot in public domain, with his music now making rounds in all radio stations and music sharing websites.

He recently released Wandizungulira ft Ulemu and the song is now on position 1 on E I Radio Experience weekly Top Countdown, airing every Sunday morning on Zomba based YFM.

“It’s a great year and to God be the glory. The message that He has given us must be spread and I thank God for giving me this opportunity to share the gospel through music” Lonje said.

He said people should expect an album during the first quarter of 2019.

“I am still working on a few logistical arrangements with my team, we are set to drop an album, 2019 is almost here, what has been cooking is finally ready so be on the lookout.”.

Lonje’s masterpieces this year alone include amazing love, Wandizungulira, Ankanena ndani all featuring Ulemu and this latest release, I win, promises to be steadily rising hit song.

Will this be his last single this year? We wait and see as we look forward to the album.

Malawi’s superstar Tay Grin has launched a fruit juice inspired by his song ‘Chipapapa’ which evokes childhood memories among the older generation while painting a picture in the present generation the celebratory mood such songs brought among friends playing in their groups.

The impact the song has made both on the local and international stage inspired Tay Grin to launch the fruit juice.

“Every child has a dream. While I was growing up, I always wanted to explore my talent and when I did, I saw a lot of opportunities coming my way. The message I am sending to the youth is that every dream can become true if we pursue it. We should endeavor to make use of the talent that we have and explore the many opportunities that we have,” said Tay Grin.

Tay Grin continues: “The song remains a massive hit and it is genuinely loved by people from all walks of life. I decided to use that platform to create something tangible something people could have as a reminder of the song. Today people can enjoy the song and sip on a Chipapapa fruit drink. We have taken something that’s authentically Malawian (Chipapapa) and made it into a brand. The idea is to grow a local brand and export it internationally.”

The drink is expected to be launched on Monday, 22 October 2018. The first stock will be in Chipiku Store (Chilambula Road, Lilongwe). The drink will also be distributed countrywide. As manufacturer of the drink we are keen to work with distributors who can help get the drink to various outlets.

Tay Grin says it has taken just over a year to finalize the all the flavours and to get all the necessary approvals to launch the drink. The drink is being manufactured locally to create jobs for people and build businesses and quality brands that can go international.

“I believe in preserving and promoting our culture. We need to be innovative in using our culture to create products that will help promote and develop Malawi. ‘Chipapapa’ is a big song taken from our childhood days now we have just added a new dimension by introducing a fruit drink. This is what separates it from the other drinks, this is a drink formed from the fabric of our culture, our childhood and we can proudly create a formidable brand by supporting it together as a nation. This product is by us for us. Malawians will make it a success,” he says.

The fruit juice is being sold at K270 per bottle of 257ml while a case of 20 bottles is being sold at K5,400. The flavours that have been launched are apple and mix-berry.

For more information:
Call 099 101 9178

The spectacular Fashion4Change, an annual fashion expo which was introduced in October 2017, is back and this time around it will be held at the Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre on November 3 from 6:30pm.

During this event, Fashion4Change will host 10 of Malawi’s best apparel makers and six international designers to raise awareness about recycling through the fashion expo. Malawi’s celebrated artists Patience Namadingo and Piksy will spice up the event with live performances.

“The world currently faces an unprecedented double-edged race to restore the environment as well as curb rampant practices that lead to adverse climate change and have a devastating effect on the planet.

“There is a need now, more than at any time in the history of the earth, for people to join in united forces to address this problem and save the planet from further distress. Our initiative, Fashion4Change, is our contribution towards that goal.

“We duly recognize the impact that fashion has and the interest that it generates among the youths; hence our deliberate tactic of using the fashion platform to raise awareness but also rally voices in on environmental issues,” said the initiatives’ Managing Director Ausa Tinyade Kamanga.

Kamanga said the project is founded upon the mission of using fashion and other artistic expressions to make a global impact.

“Fashion4Change targets corporate leaders in a bid to consolidate voices in the campaign for environmental sustainability practices across Malawi.

“Our first event focused on the environment, with a more specific emphasis on deforestation, and we partnered United Purpose’s ‘Chitetezo Mbaula’ product which has been proven to reduce carbon emission,” she said.

How do they go about it?

“Every year since inception, we host a fashion expo where designers exhibit projects tailored around that year’s theme. The theme for this year’s fashion expo is Recycle.

“At Fashion4Change, we feel this is breakthrough moment because today, more than ever before, customers want to be associated with brands and companies that are thoughtful and responsible to their communities and environment,” said Kamanga.

Previously, Fashion4Change conducted ‘The Cook Stove Challenge’ which was aimed at inspiring companies to purchase Chitetezo Mbaula as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to distribute to rural communities in an effort to both empower people and preserve the environment.

Via the Cook Stove Challenge, Fashion4Change donates 6,000 stoves in areas highly affected by deforestation.

“Our passion for fashion is only matched by our hunger for a clean environment and this drives Fashion4Change to continue organising the event.

“Fashion4Change is offering a new way to donate by enabling donors to choose the charity or project that they support, see what they have raised and understand the impact they have made.

“As a social enterprise, we will utilise any operating profits to continually develop trusted and efficient ways of reducing cost, increasing ease of recycling and significantly increasing funding to the social projects chosen by our donors.”

Contact Details:

Ausa Tinyade Kamanga (Managing Director)

ausa.kamanga@yahoo.com

+265 999 183 859

Police in Lilongwe are this morning 26th October, 2018, interrogating the famous Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango over allegations that he was having sex, going out with a lady Shupie Mkandawire which has led to collapse of marriage between Shupie and Haswel Mkandawire.

Both Haswel and Shupie are prominent members of Chimwemwe Mhango new church Redeemed Presbyterian Church (RPC). Mhango broke away from Livingstonia Church to form his own church.

The news has sent shock waves to church members of the new church. Rumours have been there since 2017 that Mhango is having an adulterous relationship with Shupie Mkandawire. Reports say there are also several families which are following up on various rumours concerning Mhango.

The new Marriage, Divorce and Family Act under section 112(a)(d) makes an offense for a third party to use his influence to cause breakdown of marriage or make marriage deteriorate. Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango is alleged to have used his position of influence as a pastor to be a counselor to the family but later was caught to be going out with Shupie.

 

An audio of telephone conversation between Mhango and Shupie was intercepted where they are heard saying ‘I love you! I love you!’ and Shupie saying ‘mwakhuta kale za kwanuko, simungafune zakuno.’ Reports indicate more evidence has been obtained through call logs where Mhango and Shupie talk several times in a day.

If police are convinced that Mhango committed an offense under new Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Act, they can prosecute him and he may be jailed up to 1 year for disturbing a lawful marriage as third party.

More to come as we get future reports.

On Sunday, October 28, Lilongwe City Centre Shadow MP for the Mighty Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Limbani Kalilani supported the CD launch of Kalambo CCAP Church Choir at Area 25 in Lilongwe.

Kalilani popularly known as Tay Grin in music circles received a standing ovation from the congregation after buying the CD @ K50,000.

To God be the glory forever and ever! Below is the event in pictures

Renowned Seventh Day Adventist Harmony music ministries has organized a day long music concert dubbed total praise music concert to be held at Sunny Side church in Blantyre this coming Saturday.

Harmony Music Ministries Chairperson Chimwemwe Kamuyango said the concert has been organized to reach out to Christians with massage of hope.

“We have decided to have this concert with the purpose of reaching to many Malawians both Adventist and non-Adventists. We have the message of hope for all the people because the world is facing difficult circumstances that we can handle and those we cannot handle. This is one way of adhering to the great commission of preaching the gospel to the world,” said Kamuyango

Kamuyango said a total praise concert and the message is to let people know that Christ is always there to give relief to the afflicted souls

“As Harmony Music Ministry we have been singing for years but it has been a long time since we performed at a concert and especially owning a concert. We have decided to have this so that people should remember that we still have Harmony but also reinforce the vibe that we had in the past,” he said

Kamuyango added “Many people know only Chipata song but we have a lot of songs that people will like. Knowing that we want to reach out to many people, we are implementing a project going on so that people should appreciate the old and new songs of the group. We want to invite all the people around Blantyre to come to Sunnyside church to enjoy this free concert.”

The concert will be supported by Press On, Randy Nansungwi and Tamando Chokhotho. Harmony Music Minitsry which is under Kabula SDA Church was founded in 2004

As he toured Kauma area which is located in Lilongwe City Centre Constituency on Friday, people there were going about their daily chores and pastimes.

Tay Grin is a very successful person in music and business. That is because he is practical.

And so in Kauma, while someone would have asked the people to join him, Tay Grin instead joined them at the grave yard where young men were digging a grave to bury their dead and at the bawo game where young people were passing the hours away.

As he joined them in their activities, it was also good moment for him to engage the people about their aspirations.

The pictures highlight Tay Grin, real name Limbani Kalirani, in Kauma — his demonstration that he is for them and with them.

Ben Malunga was an uncle to David Chiwanga. Chiwanga was raised by Ben’s mother.

In 1983, Ben was in Third Year at Chancellor College. His uncle David Chiwanga came to visit Ben at the College when he came to attend Parliament in Zomba. They shared their smiles and daughters. Chiwanga went back to attend Parliament, residing at Hotel Masongola.

Two days later after visiting Ben, David Chiwanga was brutally murdered for speaking his mind in Parliament.

Ben Malunga was the last relative to see Chiwanga alive. Worse, Ben was not allowed to attend Chiwanga’s hurried funeral.

There was a lot of intimidation and information was suppressed. Ben did not know what had really happened. Everything was a rumour. He never mourned his beloved uncle.

Many years later, Ben Malunga wrote the poem “Pamfera Nduna” which is now viral on

social media and radios.

The personal story Ben Malunga has told is a reminder that the victims of MCP atrocities are still with us. There are many people who are still in tears, tears that never dry.

MCP never changed. What is even more scaring even to some MCP members is that the party is currently being led by a small but vicious dictator, Lazarus Chakwera.

The way Chakwera is oppressing critics and purging out people who threaten only says one thing. Malawi Congress Party will kill Malawians again if Chakwera is given state powers to control police and the army. NEVER AGAIN!

On Monday, Tay Grin visited Lilongwe City Constituency where he distributed nutritious porridge packs to pupils and mothers for their children as one way of fighting malnutrition in the constituency.

During the distribution, Tay Grin whose real name is Limbani Kalilani managed to reach out to 125 families. The porridge was donated by his sister Dr. Neza Kalilani Chatuwa, who is based in the United Kingdom. Chatuwa is also a secretary for the DPP UK wing.

“After the donation, the school kids came to talk to me. We free-styled and they took the time to give me their concerns and we have agreed that together we shall develop this area. It was lovely interacting with these intelligent kids,” said Kalilani.

In the pictures, some of the pupils and mothers displaying the porridge packs.

The country’s music arena keeps on evoking with people’s choice of music being diversified due to stiff competition on the market. But there are some artists that are emerging and regarded force of reckon amid the rapid changing music industry, which is characterised by copycats, covers and bubblegum music.

Counting from one to ten using your fingers the number of talented reggae dancehall artists in Malawi, Eli Njuchi is one rare gem to listen to if his unique touch is anything to go by.

Good voice is equal to good music and career advancement. People do not only fall in love with music due to its intriguing melody or groove, but also lyrics that are bound to appetize the ear and soathes the soul.

And perhaps, this is the description of Eli Njuchi who has a good-natured voice which distinguishes him from chuffs and noisemakers that have clattered the country’s music industry.

He has joined the bandwagon of other talented artists such as award-winning Purple C of ‘Hot Like Sun’ fame, Malinga Mafia, Trumale, Saint, Blasto, Blak Jak, Jay Jay C, Provoice, just to mention but a few.

Born Chifuniro Constantine Magalasi, Eli Njuchi is a Lilongwe-based youthful artist who has embarked on a music journey with a bang. He trades under Njuchi Stingdem Music stable, which boasts of other gifted members like Prince Musiq.

Eli Njuchi has become popular with such tracks as ‘Girl Friend’s Friend’, ‘Hakunamatata’ (which features Hip hop artist Toast), ‘Far Weh Me Come From’, ‘Sabwelera’, ‘Iweyo’, ‘Kufooka’ and ‘Illuminati’.

Trademarks are significant element of music culture. Artists answer to specific nicknames or trademarks to propel own brands and image.

But why Eli Njuchi?

“I believe I make music that connects with peoples’ hearts through their ears. As we all know, a Bee is one type of an insect that works hard on what it is best, making honey.

Bees also have unity among themselves when working.They have the knowledge to protect themselves from being harmed by using their sting. Therefore, I and my team choose to be called Njuchi because we share the same attributes of Njuchi.
We focus on what we are good at. And we are hard workers,” said Eli Njuchi.

He added that they have got unity to make good and sweet music like honey.

Said Eli Njuchi: “People respect us because we sting like bees.”

Eli Njucji started recording music in 2015 when he was 13 years old. He said he was inspired by the pain and struggles of life to express them through melodies.

Eli Njuchi went through the corridors of Mkwichi secondary school in Lilongwe and he is planning to enrol for tertiary studies.

After rains blew off the roofs of classrooms’ roof at Malembe Primary School in Area 25, shadow MP for Lilongwe City Centre Constituency Tay Grin has donated some funds to replace the blown off roof so that the pupils can go back to school as soon as possible.

Speaking during the fund’s presentation ceremony, Tay Grin whose real name is Limbani Kalilani said he thought it wise to make the donation as one way of achieving one of his education goals – making education easily accessible to all in the constituency.

“Access to Education is a right but that right is compromised when the learning environment is not conducive,“ said Tay Grin amid applause from dozens of people that patronised the event. Here are some of the pictures captured during the event;

What’s in the shadows? What’s in it? Skeletons, terror, horror, anger, shame… darkness.

Another Peter Banda production, Abode, born Quano Kumwenda delivers a well weaved Spoken Word piece that will leave many in awe.

In an interview, Abode reveals that Shadows is one of a 6 Piece EP that she is working on at present.

Earlier this year, she released Adore.
“Adore was a worship piece while Shadows reveals of how Jesus dealt away with the shadows of the past,” she said.

“Where you saw shadows/I saw light that outshined their reflection/
The light I sent to be your path/the light to shine so you see the gulf/…” goes one of the lines in Shadows.

This year alone, Abode has performed in Mzuzu, Lilongwe (twice), Blantyre and Zomba.

When Shadows is on www.rfpmam.com, be the first to grab it. Meanwhile, enjoy Adore; download it via the link below:

http://www.rfpmam.com/spoken/download.php?uid=9

The cat is finally out of the bag, all those free gigs and let-go-and-register moves wereall nothing but political posturing by hip- hop star Fredokiss, real namePenjani Kalua.

Fredokiss,son to controversial politician Kamlepo Kalua, is biding for a Parliamentaryseat in Blantyre City South Constituency, with financial support from NBS Bank andthe UNICEF. Ironically, both institutions are supposed to be apolitical intheir dealings.

Fredokiss holds ambassadorial positions in both NBS and UNICEF, a mere tricky conduit to fool Malawians.

While NBS Bank and UNICEF’s interests in Fredokiss’s political manoeuvres are not yet known but sources within the two institutions said the decision to finance a political course has ignited controversies.

Last week, Malawi Parliament rejected a private member motion that was sponsored by UNICEF on the basis that the organization’s motive in sponsoring the motion was not clear. United Nations (UN) agencies such as UNICEF are never allowed to interfere in local politics of any country.

While NBSBank is also said to have taken a role in the shooting down of a financial motion that aimed at cushioning the poor masses from commercial banks’ stingingrates. Malawi Parliament on Thursday shot down Financial Services Bill which was aimed at regulatingbank lending rates among others. This means that poor Malawians will continuepaying huge bank interest rates which have been described as satanic so far.

Barely days after Malawi Voice exposes UNICEF and NBS Bank’s involvement in political maneuvers of local hip-hop artist Fredokiss, the two institutions have forced the self-named Ghetto King to voluntarily relinquish his role as brand ambassador.

Few days ago, Malawi Voice wrote that Fredokiss, son to controversial politician Kamlepo Kalua, was biding for a Parliamentary seat in Blantyre City South Constituency, with financial support from NBS Bank and the UNICEF, when the two institutions were supposed to be apolitical in their dealings.

And in an apparent bid to clear their name from the report, reaction, both NBS Bank and UNICEF forced Fredokiss to relinquish the ambassadorial roles. Talking to a local news paper, the artist further indicated that he was ‘voluntarily’ resigning from other roles as British High Commission wildlife champion and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) champion for voter registration campaign. “It is indeed true that we have come to the end of our association in that regard with the two institutions. The decision is primarily personal. I have also already set in motion the process to step aside from my other similar roles with UNDP and The British High Commission,” he told the news paper. He further claimed that his walking away from his ambassadorial roles had nothing to do with political ambitions. “I challenged myself and the corporate world on these tasks. I feel satisfied with what I did. To an extent the roles limited me on some of my dreams so I am looking beyond that,

Lucius Banda has released a new single entitled ‘Moyo wa Msilikali’ in honour of Six Malawian soldiers who died in the line of duty last year.

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers died in a rebel ambush in November in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where they were part of a United Nations Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) peacekeeping mission.

Banda, who in all years of his music career  has been trading with nick name ‘Soldier’ said it took time for him to release the tribute as he was tied up with other equally important issues.

“I was tied up when it happened but as someone who has used the name soldier in my career, I still felt duty bound to do a tribute to my fellow soldiers even though two months have gone” Banda told Nyasa Times on Friday.

He therefore called upon all Malawians to pray for our soldiers at all times and appreciate the good work they do.

“I just wanted to encourage Malawians to remember our soldiers and to be appreciating them and pray for them” he said.

Lucius described a soldier as someone who is brave and lion hearted who again sacrifices everything including his life to serve and bring freedom to others.

“Umoyo wa msilikali …umoyo wolimba mtima athira nsembe ya moyo poteteza civilian. Aika wake pachiswe natchinjiliza wa nzake ndi wa chikondi msiliksali. Amanyamuka ulendo kukabwelera kapena ayi anthuwa amatifera tiyeni tiwalemekeze” narrates Banda in one of the verses in the song.

Meanwhile, the song has already started enjoying massive airplay in various local radio stations.

In his eulogy, Malawi President Peter Mutharika described the death as painful and a loss not only to Malawi but the entire African continent.

Born in August 1970, Banda is well known throughout his career as the voice of the poor and those who cannot be heard.

His music depicts the social, economic and cultural constraints faced by ordinary Malawians. He has also been a voice against social injustices and inequalities prevalent among African leaders and politicians.

Private owned television station Mibawa, a subsidiary of Mibawa Limited, has secured rights for to beam live champions Nyasa Big Bullets home matches in the 2019 season

Any TV station interested to show the Bullets home matches will have to buy feeds from Blantyre-based television station launched in 2016.

Bullets will be getting two-thirds of all proceeds from adverts during their games.

One of the up-and-coming television stations in the country, Mibawa TV will also starts a special programme on Thursday for the People’s Team.

Mibawa TV is an edutainment channel whose focus is on entertainment and largely broadcasts talk shows and soaps.

But Mibawa Limited chief executive officer John Nthakomwa said in an interview they went into football following an overwhelming feedback from the public since they started hosting sports programmes.

Bullets chief executive officer Fleetwood Haiya welcomed the partnership.

“After launching our commercialisation drive recently, we asked a number if television stations to bid for a business partnership with us and out of four stations that came up, Mibawa emerged the best,” said Haiya.

He said with Mibawa TV, Bullets will offer its  big fan base ti follow what is happening at the club.

…Joy Nathu’s Made On Monday set to premiere it on 4th February

Four Gospel Hip-hop heavyweights are gearing up for the release of Connections remix by Black Flame. Black Flame took to social media to announce the remix, whose original piece came out in July last year.

“With the success of Connection, I was inspired to bring together likeminded rappers to put up another piece which I am fully convinced that it will live to its billing” Black Flame said when contacted. “I’m presently working on an album and if all goes by plan, we should be through with studio work by March.” Black Flame said.

“My 10 songs – album is due. It is titled The Birth of New Talent, should be available for public consumption later on this year”.

A quick scan on Facebook indicated that some of his music lovers have had a long wait and are excited about this project.

“I have searched all over for your music, but can’t find them. Is there a platform that can have all your songs? I’m an ardent follower of your music and ministry,” writes one Guzpaul Deguzman. Connection, as the title suggests, talks about how important it is to stay connected to God irrespective of the challenges.

Multi-award winner, David Kalilani in his verse talks about how difficult it is for someone to get a contract, a job if he is not connected to someone else. He says as children of God we must be wise and be connected to God.

Lilongwe based Christina Rapper, Liwu back at his past life and raps about how he now is connected to Christ and reaches out to the masses by calling them all to come to Christ and allow him to reign. Seal it all, Black Flame in his verse says whilst others trusts in their networks and links, him and his friends (Liwu, Pro Gain, David Kalilani) they are connected to their source of success: God.

The song will be premiered on MBC Radio 2 FM inside Joy Nathu’s Made of Monday show.