Malawian designer Mayamiko is making international headlines with her
ethical label after the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, stepped out
for her first royal tour engagement with a patterned monochrome wrap
dress ‘made in Malawi’.
The 38-year-old royal chose a £69 black and white wrap dress from
Malawian brand Mayamiko as she joined Prince Harry, 35, in Cape Town,
at the start of the African royal tour.
The lightweight cotton dress costs £69 (About K70 000) and has
already sold out online in a show of the royal’s extraordinary
influence.
The decision to wear Mayamiko is a nod to Prince Harry’s scheduled visit to Malawi during the second part of the royal tour.
Mayamiko works with a charity set up by Italian entrepreneur Paola
Masperi that supports young creatives in Malawi by teaching them about
sustainable and ethical fashion trading.
According to the brand’s website, the project currently provides
training in sewing and tailoring as well as financial and business
skills to local, disadvantaged women, many of whom are affected by the
HIV pandemic or who are carers of HIV orphans.
Nine girls have triumphed over 130 entries as top winners in the Plan International ReWriteHerStory Poetry Competition
20 year old Charity Kamanyauli, 18 year old Chifuniro Khombera and 13 year old Patience Chipsagule came out tops in their respective categories of the demarcated age brackets of 10 to 14, 15 to 18, 19 to 24.
The three have won MK100, 000 worth of prizes whilst those on second and third positions have earned MK75, 000 and MK50, 000 worth of prizes respectively.
“The entries were powerful and impressive. Most girls were able to articulate the thematic area poetically based on their personal reflections on how girls and women are represented in the media. The judging panel had to look at a number of key points to determine winners. We looked at relevance, creativity, style, persuasiveness, boldness, quality and originality among others,” said Chief Judge Robert Chiwamba who worked alongside Chawanangwa Nyirenda and Murhenderhe Dula on the judging panel.
Siula: This is part and parcel of our #GirlsGetEqual global campaign
Meanwhile, Plan International says the winners be decorated with medals and certificates and they are scheduled to perform at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe tomorrow (9th October) during the commemoration of the International Day of a Girl. “We have a number of activities lined up tomorrow and the winners will perform. Once again we are pleased with the response the poetry competition generated. We call upon girls to keep voicing out their concerns in as far as media representation is concerned so that the discourse changes and media shaped stereotypes are not reinforced or perceived as normal.
“This is part and parcel of our #GirlsGetEqual global campaign where we seek to demand the media, film makers and advertising agencies among others to stop the sexualization and objectification of girls and women,” explained Rogers Siula, Communication and Campaigns Manager for Plan International. “Any piece of communication that denies, undermines or belittles girls’ experiences is a direct challenge to their power to effect change. Conversely, seeing girls and women in leading roles, positions of authority and away from outdated and damaging stereotypes results in a multitude of benefits; for girls themselves, their future life chances and for wider society as a whole. #GirlsGetEqual campaign seeks to reverse this status quo,” added Siula.
ReWriteHerStory poetry competition called on girls aged between 10 to 24 to highlight personal reflections on how girls are represented in the media and demand for change.
Succumbing to public demand, one of the top-flight fastest rising Gospel musician, Bethel, has finished shooting visuals for her song Jehovah Qanna.
In a statement, Bethel said her team is presently distributing the visuals to local Television channels and online Streaming sites.
Shot by one of the notable visual and photography service providers, BRK Shots, Yehovah Qanna music video is a continuation of the promo for the audio that came out earlier this year. The song was produced by OBK.
Born Bethel Machoko, the 22 year old singer has worked with Producers DJ Sley, Sispense in Saxess music projects like Inuyo Yesu, Maganizo and Ndinu Yehova. In 2018, she released her solo single titled Fascinated .
When she first competed at the Schools Got Talent in the United Kingdom in 2007, it was evident that Bethel was predestinated for the top spot. She scooped 1st position. The following year she won the 1st position at the Breeze Has Talent.
She was accorded the 2017 Spirit Tunes Best Female Artist Of The Year.
As you wait for the video to hit the TV Screens, watch it on this channel below.
Organisers of the inter-cultural Acapella
family night have said all is set for this year’s event which is aiming at
showcasing all possible multicultural groups from within and outside the
country.
The event which is has been organised by
Blantyre based company Just Music tech, is slated to take place on December 14,
2019 in Blantyre at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel.
Joyful souls ready to perform
It will comply of Music, spoken word, fashion
show which will show local and international costumes, dances among others.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana)
on Friday, one of the organisers of the event, McLuther Mambala said their team
noticed that there was a gap in terms of arts and culture.
“Most artists do not blend our culture
in their work and instead of being original in our artistic work they are busy
being copying from westerners,”he said.
Mambala said the event objective was to
bring all possible cultural groups in the country so that they could work
together and learn from each other as well as eliminating tribalism.
He said the event would help to promote
Malawian culture as it would exhibit a number of its fundamentals and beliefs.
He said the event is family oriented and
it would accommodate all age groups.
Some of the music Performers are Joyful souls,
Mzati, Desire Manda, Blessing Gondwe.
Music Director for one of the performers,
Joyful Souls, Bram Fudzulani said they are excited to be part of this event.
“As you know we have always composed and
arranged our Acapella music to reflect our cultural heritage,”he said.
Fudzulani said the event allows them to
give their fans a rare opportunity to sample out their latest pieces, which
they believe is a true reflection of their maturity in music ministry with the
focus on the Accapella genre.
He said Some of the songs lined up for
the event are Bwerera, Akonda kosatha,Tidzauluka
among others.
“We are looking forward to engaging with
our fans through our rich harmonies as we wind up the year,”the Organizers
said.
He added since the inception of the
group, they have always respected their identity of making sure that they compose
and arrange songs in a way that align with Malawian culture background.
“We will continue doing this because it
is the only way we can represent our country at any forum in the arts world,”Fudzulani
said.
He advised other musicians to always
strive to have the identity that comes in various forms and one of which is to
compose songs that are aligned with our culture.
Doyen began his music ministry in 2016 after giving his life to the Lord
DOYEN, real name, Thomas Tchuwa. He is a Malawian Singer and songwriter.
Born in Lilongwe, Malawi, raised by
a single parent. His mum and dad separated when he was only 5, so his mum
assumed both roles, mum and dad.
He had a flare for music at a young
age and would always try to proof his mettle with grown-ups.
Doyen, who started his full-fledged music
career in 2011 is fast becoming one of Malawi’s most sort-after gospel singers
and have successfully carved out a distinct niche for himself in the gospel
music scene. His footpath in music was paved by Janta of SU records. Offering
him studio time, Janta helped cultivate confidence in him. Then a secular
artist, his first ever recorded song, Good Tingz, was recorded in 2011. Janta
and Doyen In 2018 worked on a song called Chimwemwe
which marked the birth of a musical genius whose presence is slowly permeating
in the music industry. So far notable names like Gwamba, Macelba, Janta already
have worked with him in collaboration
His path of music is void of
competitions, no one does it better when it comes to hooks and diversity style
and jaw dropping soul reviving songs than Doyen.
His new song, Glory, got its first
radio play on Born n Bred, One of most followed urban music programs in Malawi.
Hosted by James Gumbwa on MBC radio 2, what followed is a social media buzz
dubbed The Glory dance challenge. Some
of his notable music projects include Blessings, Chimwemwe, Gwamba’s
Chiwongolero.
Doyen began his music ministry in
2016 after giving his life to the Lord.
For latest updates, follow him on
his social media platforms:
Malawian model Amber Chidzalo, who is the reigning Zuri Africa Malawi Queen, is set to represent the country at the Zuri Africa Queen Continental showpiece in Kenya. Zuri Africa is a global program that aims at exposing Africa and its culture so that we are a people well aware of who we are and our origin.
The model will compete against representatives from 22 other African countries including Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Somalia, Mozambique and DR Congo, at the event slated for December 14th.
Chidzalo, 25, will compete for the main continental crown while her first princess, Claire Thindwa, and second princess, Natasha Simakweli , will be vying for the Zuri Africa Princess title. The three, who are expected to leave for Kenya on December 6, were crowned during an event held on May 11 this year.
Elegance
The pageant is a global program that aims at exposing Africa and it’s culture to the outside world and the Zuri Africa Queens are regarded as ambassadors of culture in their respective countries. According to local coordinator Madalo Mkuwu, winners will be determined on the basis of speech articulation, cooking skills of local dishes, catwalk and participation in a cultural debate.
“The pageant is very unique in several ways. It is the only beauty competition which considers those who come second and third in their respective local contests. It allows them to win something and get some international experience,” she said.
Mkuwu said the winner of the beauty competition, which is the brainchild of Zimbabwean Ryan Nush, will among others, receive US $3000. 00 (MWK 2.2 million), a sponsored trip to Germany, a supply of cosmetics, a magazine contract, and will sign up with one of the best modelling agencies in Kenya.
Majestic: Chidzalo on a catwalk
In an interview, Chidzalo said minus a few logistical issues affecting her preparations, her mind is set for the pageant and she remains confident that the country’s chances to get the crown are high.
She said : “I have an insight of what the demands into the contest are. I have prepared a traditional song, I have come up with a collection of nthano (folktales) which I will recite and I will showcase my skills in preparing traditional dishes too.”
Chidzalo further said that she is working hard to mobilize resources to meet the cost of attires she intends to hire, her up-keep, a return air ticket and production of a small video documentary showcasing some of the country’s beautiful places. Voting for contestants is open and Chidzalo appealed to everyone to take a few seconds of their time to vote for her online on
https://pageantvote.es/pageants/2094/contestants/11792
to increase chances of her bringing the crown home. Voting is open to everyone
(one vote per day) and closes on the 14th of December 2019.
A Blantyre based
Malawian gospel artist, Shammah Vocalz is set to launch a second album on
December 7, this year.
Shammah Vocalz whose
real name is Shammah Storah told Mana Wednesday that all is set for the release
of Asamala Yehova Album,
“All is set for
Asamala Yehovah album which I am releasing on December 7, this year at the Bingu
International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe,” he said.
He said the audience
and his fans should expect virtuous live performances from different artists
during the launch.
“Faith Musa, Olivia from Zambia and I, will make sure that we do not disappoint the audience.
The performance itself will be incredible to all who will attend the launch of the album,” he remarked.
He said since he released
his first Album, Yesu Amakukhala in 2016, Shammah has been releasing single
tracks which have made his name countrywide.
“My first four songs
in Asamala Yehovah Album, have already been known and are making rounds on
different media outlets countrywide.
“My Zoe” which was
released last year on December 6, is one of the songs that is repeatedly being played
in many households including neighboring countries,” he added.
When questioned on the
suggested name of the album, Vocalz disclosed that the name of the album is the
title of one of the songs in the album.
“The album is titled
Asamala Yehovah and it has 10 tracks including My Zoe. And it has been named
Asamala Yehovah because the whole album is centered on the message of Home,” he
said.
“It has taken me a
year to finish this album and God has entrusted me with this project, I promise
my fans they will not be disappointed,” Shammah assured.
Chigumula Worship Team of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP)-Blantyre Synod on Sunday launched their first gospel album entitled Ndinu Woyera.
Chigumula CCAP Worship Team Performing during the launch
The launch which was spiced by gospel icons such as Dr
Ethel Kamwendo Banda, the ‘Mukumane ndi Chosowa Changa’ hit maker King James
Phiri and Phalyce Mang’anda took place at Chigumula CCAP in Blantyre.
Some songs in the album includes Yesu ndiye Yankho, kuli Chimwemwe, Ndidzaimba and Ndinu Woyera which is the tittle of the album.
Speaking in an interview
with Malawi Voice after the launch, Music Director for the worship team,
Innocent Luwani praised God for making it possible to launch the album.
He also commended all the
artists who performed during the launch saying they made the event colourful.
“We are very happy because we have finally done
it and the event was just beyond our expectation. All the artists we invited
showed up making the event colourful, “said Luwani
All in all we thank God- Luwani
He added: “It has taken us two years to complete
this DVD project due to various problems that were choking the project such as financial
problems and others. All in all we thank God for making it possible.”
He further urged the public to embrace the message in
their songs, saying it carries God’s power and blessings.
In his remarks, Moderator for Chigumula CCAP, Reverend
M.P. Nasiyaya who witnessed the event, expressed happiness saying the event was
remarkable.
“I am very happy because this is a historical event
being the first time to have a launch here at Chigumula CCAP,” said Rev
Nasiyaya while encouraging the worship team to continue spreading the gospel to
all mankind.
The funds raised during the launch will be used in
buying equipment for the church.
The tax-payer funded Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has paid K51 million in loyalties to Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) for musicians who have had their music played on the corporation’s two radio stations.
Of
late, there has been disagreement between MBC and Musicians Union of Malawi
(MUM) over loyalty arrears amounting to K164 million which the corporation has
been accumulating since 2011.
But
last year, after a successful meeting with MUM, the corporation started
fulfilling its obligation through payments to clear outstanding royalties.
Briefing
journalists on Thursday in Blantyre after handing over the final cheque of K51,
406, 167, MBC Director General Aubrey Sumbuleta described the payment as a game
changer that will strengthen the relationship that exists between MBC and MUM.
“As
MBC, we value our partnership with MUM as they complement our objective to
inform, educate and entertain the masses.
“As
such, we thought of committing ourselves to clear all the arrears accrued from
2011 and also make loyalty payment in advance,” he said.
He
then pledged to continue working together with MUM to implement various
projects which the Corporation intends to undertake in few months.
MBC
Board chair Daniel Gunya encouraged musicians to step up their efforts in
composing songs that would address the needs of Malawians in present time.
“Be
innovative in all music genres and produce as well as record music that is of
good quality to meet the expectations of the people. MBC is ready to provide a
platform to play the music,” he said.
MUM
President Gloria Manong’a expressed gratitude to MBC for remitting all the
arrears it owed the musicians in the country and urged other radio stations to
emulate the gesture.
“We
have now come to the closure of the arrears and we are so grateful. This
gesture will motivate us and also encourage others to step up efforts in music
industry to reap positive fruits from their talent,” she said.
She
then assured MBC that deserving musicians will receive their money from the loyalties.
The tax-payer funded Malawi
Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has paid K51 million in loyalties to Copyright
Society of Malawi (COSOMA) for musicians who have had their music played on the
corporation’s two radio stations.
Of late, there has
been disagreement between MBC and Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) over loyalty
arrears amounting to K164 million which the corporation has been accumulating
since 2011.
But last year, after a
successful meeting with MUM, the corporation started fulfilling its obligation through
payments to clear outstanding royalties.
Briefing journalists
on Thursday in Blantyre after handing over the final cheque of K51, 406, 167,
MBC Director General Aubrey Sumbuleta described the payment as a game changer that
will strengthen the relationship that exists between MBC and MUM.
“As MBC, we value our
partnership with MUM as they complement our objective to inform, educate and
entertain the masses.
“As such, we thought
of committing ourselves to clear all the arrears accrued from 2011 and also
make loyalty payment in advance,” he said.
He then pledged to
continue working together with MUM to implement various projects which the
Corporation intends to undertake in few months.
MBC Board chair Daniel
Gunya encouraged musicians to step up their efforts in composing songs that
would address the needs of Malawians in present time.
“Be innovative in all
music genres and produce as well as record music that is of good quality to
meet the expectations of the people. MBC is ready to provide a platform to play
the music,” he said.
MUM President Gloria
Manong’a expressed gratitude to MBC for remitting all the arrears it owed the
musicians in the country and urged other radio stations to emulate the gesture.
“We have now come to
the closure of the arrears and we are so grateful. This gesture will motivate
us and also encourage others to step up efforts in music industry to reap
positive fruits from their talent,” she said.
She then assured MBC that
deserving musicians will receive their money from the loyalties.
Lilongwe based artist Lawrence Khwisa popularly known
as Lulu has advised up-and-coming artists to use events which they are invited to
as a platform for showcasing their talent rather than for making money.
Lulu was commenting on what a Blantyre based up-and-coming
artist Atikonda Kamowa said recently that young artists are being exploited as
some are not paid anything after a show.
“When I was an up-and-coming artist, I never focused
on getting paid. I knew that I was unknown to the public hence all I needed was
a platform for exposure.
“The other thing that I had in mind is that I did not
contribute to the patronage. So, instead, I was aiming to impress the patrons
so that they could in future patronise my show,” he said.
Lulu further said being an up-and-coming artist is
like being a student and few people get paid for learning.
He, therefore, advised up-and-coming artists to focus
on perfecting their music art and not money so that they establish themselves
in the industry.
“Before I became popular, I played music for years
without a coin from the music. I even recall a time when people started mocking
me that I had played music for years but still walked on foot.
“Being an up and coming artist is a learning process;
for example, now I’m an up-and-coming international artist and this does not
mean that if I play with international artists like Davido and George Benson I
have to be paid,” Lulu said.
He, however, said, ordinarily, when an artist has been
invited to a show, they are supposed to be paid unless there is another
agreement.
Another well known artist popularly known as Jay Jay
Cee said the biggest problem with up and coming artists is luck of resources,
and support from people who runs the industry.
“There is need for up-and-coming artists to be
supported and motivated to showcase their talent and if they work, let them get
paid,” he said.
Renowned
Gospel hip hop musicians, KGB whose real name is Kelvin Gumbi and Khetwayo Sibale
have embarked on a school tour called “ back Pack Tour” to evangelize the
message of Jesus to the students.
In
an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA)in Lilongwe Wednesday, Khetwayo
Sibale said that the tour seeks to connect them as artists with their fans in colleges,
secondary schools and church youth groups and in doing so sharing the message
of salvation and saving souls.
“The
idea was hatched during interactions between KBG and me after seeing a gap in
Christian events over the past years so we decided that we could do something
about it.
“We
recognized that a significant proportion of our fan base is in colleges and
secondary schools and so we wanted to reach out to them where they were,” he
said.
Sibale
added that, “Back Pack Tour”means a believer carrying God’s word all the timeso
the idea was to encourage young people to carry God’s word everywhere they go like
a back pack so that they can live right.
“Psalms
119; 9says how can a young man keep his ways pure? Byliving according to the
word of God,” he quoted the scripture.
He
said that they are planning to have stopovers in many colleges and secondary
schools as possible but for a start they are covering colleges in Lilongwe,
Blantyre, Zomba, Mangochi and Mzuzu over the next three to four months.
In
a separate interview with Kelvin Gumbi he said that apart from evangelism they
are going to share entrepreneurship skills and success stories both academics
and business as a way of encouraging young people.
“We
always share these tips at our events because we know the struggle outthere. A
lot of young people have potential but lack of jobs affects them in so many
ways and we believe it is possible to create businesses and survive,” he said.
The
first tour will be held on February 1, 2020 at Bunda College in Lilongwe and
the event has artists of different genre and poets. And the fee for the show is
K 2,000 at the door and tickets are sold at K 1,500 now.
Grace Nsonga – I have created employment for other youth through art
Many young people in the country have figured out that
for one to be successful is not waiting for employment; self employment also
does the trick. One area the youths are flourishing is in arts.
Grace
Nsonga
a young fashion designer took a bold step and employed herself after she
graduated at African Bible College. She believed her art of designing and
tailoring would be enough to be her number one source of income.
“I believe God blessed me with a designing skill, and
while I was at school, I would use this skill to earn a little something for my
upkeep. After I had graduated I thought it wise to grow this business and make
it my number one source of income,” Grace said.
As of now she has her own tailoring and
designing brand called Grace Garment Zone. This business has benefited and
opened so many doors for this young lady.
For
instance she was able to pay for her tuition fees for her post graduate degree
which she obtained at African Bible Institute; Grace also has had
the opportunity to designn for Malawian models during the famous miss Malawi competition.
To add on this, this young lady has been able to
employ other youths who work at her tailoring shop and like her; these young
people are also relying on themselves.
Grace said this is something that brings joy to her
that from this business, she can be able to assist others in need.
“It gives me so much joy that taking the bold step to
start up my own thing was not a mistake. Now not only do I manage to rely own
myself but also empower my fellow youth.
“My desire and goal is to see this business grow and
be able to go international but also employ and support more young people,” the
designer added.
Similar to this, we have three young talented men who
started their company at a very young age called The Dream Manifest and they
are growing and making an impact in the media industry.
The company founded by Praise, Matthew and Owen is a
media company which offers photography, videography, audio production,
designing and branding.
Praise Umari and colleagues- Arts has made us financially independent
Since the company was founded, these three young men
have benefited a lot from it. For example, it has helped each one of them be
independent on their own, opened so many great opportunities for them as a
company and as individuals.
This company
has also helped them partner with other big companies which has created other
big businesses fort them.
In an interview, Praise one of
the founders advised his fellow youths that for one achieve this big dream, a
person always needs to go forward despite the setbacks.
“Challenges will be there for everyone starting something artistic. Like for us, since we are not yet there and that well established, we do straggle with trying to partner with bigger organizations which are well established but we do not give up.
We keep going forward because what makes the difference is not giving up,” he said.
He added by saying that young people should not give
up on their dream and always, they should follow what they want to do in
life.
Malawian Celebrated Gospel Rap Artist Suffix born as Aubrey Ghambi on Monday announced that will perform at The Dome in South in April this year.
The
brain behind Ulendo Wa Kumwamba and Mkazi Wa Kumwamba which he collaborated with
Faith Mussa, Suffix made the announcement through his official facebook page.
“..,,,I
will be Performing Live at The Dome in Johannesburg on the 18th of April,”
posted Suffix on Facebook
The Dome is a world-class indoor venue for hosting corporate and entertainment events located in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Blantyre- based
arts group, Luso Langa, says it is expected to start shooting a Malawian Film
end of February, which is one of the group’s projects planned for the year
2020.
In an interview
with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, Chairman and Director of Luso Langa,
Thumbiko Mwafulirwa, said the film will feature young and upcoming actors in
the group with a story about a Malawian youth.
”The film, which
will focus on the lifestyle of young Malawian youths and culture, is themed at ‘how
life is not fair’.
“The project is expected
to commence end of this month if all goes well. Currently, we are doing
trainings as we will also be introducing some of the young and upcoming actors
and actresses in this movie in a story of a Malawian semi urban youth,” said
Mwafulirwa.
He added that the
film is one way of marketing the comeback of the group to the industry after
recess.
”This film will
be one way of getting the group back on its feet after being idle for some time
since the last release of a film in 2018 which did not do well on the market.
However, people should expect something extraordinary this time,” he said.
Luso Langa Arts Group,
which has released songs and shot drama videos since its beginning in 2016, is
better known by its songs and short films like Usataye mtima, Moto, Anawa ayi,
Ndiangati, Love on the run and many more.
The organizers for Tumaini Festival, Tumaini Letu have begun preparations for the seventh edition of the festival scheduled to take place on 6th and 7th November.
Tumaini festival comes
on the first week of November every year at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa
district.
“We can’t wait to host
you again this year on 6 and 7 November. The Tumaini journey has started,”
Tumaini Festival Founder Menes la Plume posted on Facebook.
Last year, the festival
was spiced up with the performances by Patience Namadingo, Soul Raiders Band,
Suffix, Princess Chitsulo, Rudo Chakwera and many others.
Tumaini
Festival is a cultural event, developed and delivered by refugees and the host
community, which promotes peaceful coexistence.
“A brighter
Malawi, a Malawi where everyone is there for each other and where there are no
‘six inches’ around”; these are the dreams of dancehall artist Binge in his new
song Malawi Okoma.
After a 2008 debut album, Binge returns in 2020
with a new album project, a project which starts with the release of a new song
Malawi okoma.
The song, according to the artist, is a one that
encourages and visualises a Malawi where everyone is there for his or her
neighbour despite their class, political, religious or tribal backgrounds.
“I had to sit back and reflect the kind of life
which we Malawians live, the kinds of problems both politically and financially
we are facing and the never ending confusions and uncertainties around.
“Just look at how we behave, it seems like everyone
is there for himself and there seems to be so much selfishness around, where no
one is thinking about the welfare of the person next to him,” said Binge.
This, he said, was the motivation behind the song
which tackles the need for people to think of others as they think of
themselves and avoid suppressing each other.
“I want to preach and teach Malawians to change
their mindsets. We must love one another; extend a hand of support to our
friends wherever possible so that we should have a better Malawi, hence the
song Malawi Okoma.
The artist said people should expect fireworks from
him in this New Year. Having in the recent past been concentrating on releasing
singles, this time around he says his efforts are concentrated on releasing an
album which the new song will be part of.
The album is
being recorded by several recording gurus like Recall Music Studio with Recall,
Twb Records with King Duda, Street vibes with Dickies walker and Jay Em beats.
The ten tracked album will also include a song
which features an artist from Uganda by the name Anecco Omitto AKA Blazy Eddie
titled Uganda and Malawi girls.
Other songs include Kukongora kumeneku bwanji mkaziand Zakudya zokoma featuring Nepman.
“People misunderstand the message behind the song Zakudya zokoma to an extent that some
radio stations refuse to play the song, but if you listen to the song with sober
mind, you will realise that it has honest message.
“We are now flooded with foodstuffs full of
different chemicals and with [more] different strange tastes than we used to
know. This is what the song addresses,” said Binge.
The artist has one studio album which carries the
song Zovala, a mix tape titled
“Binge and the hip-hop stars” which is a collection of singles he did
with different hip-hop artists like Phyzix, Mwanache, Zinja and L Planet. There
is also a singles mix carrying the song mkazi waku Zomba and two DVDs.
The dancehall star further said he remains a
powerhouse in the dancehall arena.
“I am still there; I am here. I cannot jeopardise that
at any cost for the sake of my loyal fans that have been there since 2000. All what
is needed is to work hard so that I remain relevant in the industry.
The newly elected leader for Armageddon Band has promised to resurrect the Banda with various live performances across the country.
Armageddon Band was
founded by veteran musician Billy Kaunda who is now Member of Parliament for Mzimba
West Constituency.
Speaking in an Interview
with Malawi Voice, the newly elected
Band leader Limbani Chibwana said the band will start recruiting new artist as
one way of the rebranding process.
Chibwana added that the
band will come up with new style this year in order to satisfy its hungry
audience.
“We are tired of using
the same old style this time around we want our audience to have a taste of new
staff,” said Chibwana while promising fireworks in 2020.
Chibwana further said
the band will work with veteran artist such as the founder Billy Kaunda, Lydia
Girl hit maker Mkakeni Kaunda a well as Innocent Chitimbe.
The Armageddon Band is one of the oldest bands in the
country and has produced artists such as the late Jeffrey Zigoma, Lufeyo Zombe
and Wiza Kaunda.
A
Christian charity organization based in Lilongwe, Gate Way of Hope Malawi has organized
a fundraising valentine dinner and dance towards victims of human trafficking
in Malawi.
The
dinner and dance will be held on February 14, 2020, at 6pm at the Sunbird
Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.
Chairperson
of Gate Way of Hope Malawi, Memory Chisenga said the dinner and dance seeks to
raise funds for the victims of trafficking towards the construction of shelters
that will help accommodate them while they are repatriated and rescued back
home.
“We
are concerned with the situation of the victims of trafficking persons in
Malawi especially women, girls and children, as we all know as a country,
victims that are rescued back home are supposed to go to shelters.
“Some
call them safe homes but currently as a country we don’t have shelters where victims
are to be accommodated while waiting to settle down,” Chisenga said.
She said that Gate Way thought of activities
that would help them raise funds towards this course and their first activity
they have organized is the fundraising dinner and dance that is taking place on
Valentine’s Day where people will celebrate love and cherish each other.
“We
thought it wise that Valentine’s Day would also be a great time for us to bring
people together, companies and organisations that will be our partners in
future to help us raise funds supporting and rehabilitating victims of human
trafficking in Malawi,” she said.
She
added that currently the situation is very sad, reports indicate that some are committing
suicide because they feel that their future is gone and traffickers will
continue tracking them down if they don’t go anywhere safer.
She
pointed out that it is their responsibility to make sure victims are in a safe
place, go through rehabilitations and counseling so that they are ready to move
with their lives after this.
During
the dinner and dance, a company with K200,000.00 will get VIP seat, bring along
with their banner given time to talk about what they do as well as a couple
with K50, 000.00 ticket for two people will participate in romantic games,
dance, win gifts and take memorable pictures on a valentine photo booth.
Malawi
is one of the countries that are participating in this year’s international
craft fair that is currently taking place in India.
Hosted
by the Haryana Tourism Department in Surajkund, the
festival has attracted over 20 countries from South Asia, Africa and
Europe.
Assistant
Arts Officer in the Department of Arts in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and
Culture who is leading the Malawi delegation, James Thole said Malawi’s
participation was important for both cultural exchange and marketing of the
diverse Malawian arts and culture at international level.
“The
exchange will be there because countries are bringing art exhibitions and performances
which will enable us share our different cultures,” he said.
Thole
said Malawi would perform from February 2 to 16, 2020 and has been given a slot
of two performances a day (one in the morning and afternoon) which totals to 30
performances.
He
added the Malawi National Dance Troupe has been specifically chosen to
represent Malawi as it has a repertoire of traditional dances that covers the
whole of the country.
“On the crafts side Malawi is being
represented by Lawrence Daka of Lilongwe while Patrick Chimbewa of Ntchisi has
brought Malawian Folk Music to the event, spicing up the traditional dance
performances with his Kaligo and Nsansi,” Thole said.
He
said the two artists were included on
the list as one way of promoting and motivating the youth to actively
participate in arts and culture programmes. The ultimate goal is to preserve
the arts for posterity.
Chimbewa Perfoming in India
One
of the performers on the team Patrick Chimbewa who is performing traditional
music said it is the first time to perform at this festival as this is one way
he can make a name at international level.
Chimbewa
said this is his second time to perform at international level as he first
performed at Forde World Music Festival in Norway.
Some
of the songs that he has prepared to showcase are Munditelengele Kumudzi,
Najele, Namwali Okongola , Akazi Alero among others .
The
Malawi delegation left on January 30,2020 and they will be back on February 21,2020.
