NOBLE CAUSE: Queen Norah Chiwaula Mclintock cuts the ribbon to officially hand over the house to Agide
January 15 every year is a holiday in the country. It is a special day when the country commemorates one of at its heroes John Chilembwe who fought for freedom and this year the day fell on Friday.
Apart from commemorating Chilembwe, who came from Chiradzulu District, the day is also special for legendary musician Giddes Chalamanda, who comes from Mazuwa Village, Traditional Authority Mpama, in the same district.
Popularly known as Agide in the music circles, the musician turned 91 last Friday with no gift to bring pomp to his birthday. Little did he know that two days later, he would be handed a new house as a birthday present.Advertisement
And, so, it was all smiles for him Sunday when he received a house built by a group of Malawian women based in Europe calling themselves Malawi Queens Europe.
Agide, who started music at the age of 12 and has composed so many songs, gets a new house barely a year after FDH Bank through musician Patience Namadingo also built him a grocery.
Flanked by his wife Abiti Alafuledi and a representative of Village Head Mazuwa, Agide received keys of the house after the cutting of the ribbon before going inside the new house as the reggae mash-up medley in which he collaborated with Namadingo played in the background.Advertisement
The new house has been built where there used to be the old house which was in poor state and nearly collapsing.
The veteran musician could not hide his excitement with the new house, which has cost Malawi Queens Europe close to K2 million.
“I don’t know what to say, I just want to thank God, what God has done is special, I have stayed for a long time in a poor house. God really makes a way where there is no way.
SMILES:Agide his daughter Liny and wife
“Through Malawi Queens Europe, Andichotsa apa kukandiyika apo [I have been uplifted] Today is a Sunday when we worship and I am getting a house on a Sunday, I am blessed,” he said.
The musician famed for songs such as ‘Che Meli’ and ‘Liny’ said what the Malawi Queens Europe women had done should not stop here but extended to other people who are needy.
“Namadingo and FDH built me a grocery and now Malawi Queens Europe have built me a house. I am a boss in my own right although I don’t have money. This is a beautiful house,” the musician who promised to continue composing songs as long as he is alive, said.
Representative of Malawi Queens Europe Norah Chiwaula Mclintock, who is based in Scotland, said the house was a token of thank you to Agide for entertaining the country for years with his music.
“Malawi Queens Europe is a group of women based in Europe and we are all Malawians. Our objective is to share business ideas and also do charity work. In 2017, we donated clothes to the post-natal ward at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre but this time we thought of helping Agide,” Chiwaula Mclintock said.
She said they decided to say thank you to Agide while he is still alive.
“This was the family’s wish to build them a house. So, we contributed money and we are happy that everything has been finalised. We destroyed the old house and started all over with the foundation,” Chiwaula Mclintock said. (TIMES ONLINE)
Chimkombero: The project aims at advocating for best environmental policies and practices through music
A Lilongwe based Save the Future Foundation environmental activist and Musician, Maloto Chimkombero has called for mindset change in conserving the planet earth.
Chimkombero made the call recently in an interview with the publication on the sideline of his music project doubled as ‘Environmental Advocacy Music’ which advocates for best environmental policies.
According to the activist Chimkombero, the music project is comprised of five songs tackling issues bordering tree planting, raising awareness on thin plastics ban and waste management among others.
“The project aims at advocating for best environmental policies and practices through music in order to promote environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. We are calling upon the general public to support our project and also change their mindset towards nature,” said Chimkombero who is also the co-founder for Save the Future foundation.
The music project can be downloaded on Mikozi Networks Website and on request via whatsapp.
One of the renowned and veteran Dj and producer, Kenny Wako popularly known as Kenny Klips or Shawishi has passed on. Kenny Klips worked for a number of media institutions and was at Times Group until his time of death.
A family member confirmed about his passing this morning at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
Without hesitation or second guessing, Kenny Klips was undisputedly Malawi’s premier mix DJ and radio personality. For more than 15 years, Kenny Klips had been commanding the attention of millions of listeners on and off radio.
As an artist himself he released two albums and also a “RemixTape” Rare Species Lab Session Vol 1 which was a compilation of his creatively innovative turntable skills putting together different songs making a concoction of beats and melodies that ruled the clubs, radio and the streets.
His accomplishments in the Malawi music industry was unprecedented, molding and making careers of many artist on the bill today and pioneering the “Urban Music” movement into the mainstream.
In fact, it was Klips’ dedication to introducing young and new talent to mainstream radio that ushered in the Urban Music frenzy.
‘M-Net Movies Presents 007 James Bond Pop-up Channel’ Makes A Grand Return
Prepare to shake, not stir, the January blues in 007 fashion.
Owing to the massive success of the M-Net Movies Presents 007 James Bond pop-up channel early last year and the forthcoming instalment in the James Bond film franchise, M-Net is once again casting its spotlight on the suave, debonair, and dapper dressed secret service agent James Bond.
This time, however, the thrilling pop-up channel on DStv channel 111 will not only be open to DStv Premium customers but also DStv Compact Plus and Compact customers for the first time, starting from Friday, 22 January 2021, until Sunday, 31 January 2021.
This will allow for a vast number of DStv subscribers, consisting of diehard Bond fans as well as new, young 007 admirers, to indulge themselves, from 06:00 CAT to 22:00 CAT, in the ultimate James Bond experience. It includes the dapper tuxedos, fast cars, sultry bond girls, exotic locations, mind-blowing gadgets, deadly villains, and martinis, which are served shaken, not stirred, of course.
The ten-day Bond film marathon, featuring all seven charming actors who have played the iconic 007 role; from Pierce Brosnan to Sean Connery, Roger Moore and current Bond Daniel Craig, will showcase every 007 film ever made in this highly popular film franchise.
The movies will be screened chronologically, starting with the first film in the series released 59 years ago, Dr. No (1962), to the latest Bond film and box office hit, Spectre (2015).
Viewers can watch this pop-up channel from any device at any time. All the films that will be screened as part of the pop-up channel will also be available on DStv Catch Up until Sunday, 28 February 2021.
Visit the M-Net Movies website for schedules and more information at m-net.dstv.com, and join the conversation using the hashtag #MMPopUp.
Malawi’s greatest artist of all the times Mte Wambali Mkandawire breathed his last at Kamuzu Central Hospital the night of January 30, 2021.
The Nkhunjipeleka hit maker succumbed to Covid19, after being isolated from last week.
The legend, the multi-award winning gospel musician is gone. Malawi has lost. The legend Mtebeti Wambali finally rest to the Lord.
BUT WHO WAS HE?
Wambali Mkandawire was a Malawian jazz and Traditional Beat musician.
He was born in the Congo to Malawian parents from the Mlowe village in the north and then later lived in Mzuzu. He wanted to become a musician but his grandparents were against the idea since he was still a student. When he dropped out of school in the 1970s he put his efforts into music.
Wambali continued to live in Mzuzu where he was setting up a mission rural center and pastoring an indigenous church. Together with his wife, they started a publishing company, “Kajimete Arts Publishing,” to help promote Malawian talent.
Early musical inspiration
He was introduced to Congolese music whilst living in Malawi by his Malawian grandparent that had been living in the Congo. He was also introduced to South African music from the South African minors that worked in the mine in the north. Through the radio, Wambali came across Western pop music.
Rock band influence
He joined a band in Blantyre “Pentagon,” a local band that played western pop music. He was the lead singer of the band whose genre was rock music fused with traditional Malawian music. The band soon disbanded due to lack of funding.
Religious/Gospel influence
Wambali experienced a dramatic religious awakening that led him to pursue religious training in the Christian missions by 1984. He joined “New Song” a Youth for Christ (YFC) band as a singer. The group began to tour churched and schools in various African countries like South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. By 1986, he moved to South Africa where he worked in Alexandra and Soweto townships with YEC youth clubs. By 1988, he recorded his first solo album. Wambali left Malawi for the UK in 1989 to study Biblical Cross-Cultural Musicology.
Early Music Career
By 1988 he already recording and touring with South African Music group “Friends First”, by 1988”. In the same year, Wambali recorded his first solo album with Krakatoa Music in Cape Town. The album by First Friends was released in Malawi, but due to its political nature, the group encountered censorship. One of its songs was banned.
While in the UK in 1989 Wambali recorded his third and fourth albums in Glasgow, Scotland. The third one was released at the Greenbelt Festivals in Northampton where he performed with professional bands. The fourth album was released in Malawi 1992 but did not receive much support from the local musical industry (deejays and radio) largely due to the political nature of his music. Malawi, at that time was under the leadership of Kamuzu Banda. Lack of promotion for his work led to financial strains and music production stopped altogether. Poor finances led him to take odd jobs by 1992, and he began touring in churches internationally in places like Germany, Austria, Switzerland. It was during his tour in Kenya that he met Wambui Muruiki whom he married a year later.
Political activism
He got involved in campaigning for the release of Mr Chakufwa Chihana who had been arrested for criticism towards the Banda regime. His music became associated with the political opposition so his music suffered a further loss of support.
Music career
His release of “Zani Muwone” in 2002 (produced by JB Arthur, co-founder of the Instinct Africaine label, (together with Sibusiso Victor Masondo), and owner of Joe’s Garage Recording studio in Johannesburg) brought him popularity in South Africa and in Malawi. Wambali was soon invited to perform at the NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2002 in Cape Town. This album also won him many international awards including being the first African to win the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) AWARD FOR CREATIVITY. In 2007 Wambali launched his album ‘Moto’ and retired from public performances. He returned in 2011 with the launch of a worship album ‘Liberty’. In 2015 he launched a purely Jazz album titled Calabrash Breath.
Philanthropy and community service
Board member – Action Aid International, Malawi
Albums
Zani Muwone – 2002
Moto – 2007
Liberty – 2011 (recorded by Joe Arthur, Duane Arthur & Graham Smith in South Africa)
Calabrash Breath – 2015
Music awards and nominations
WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) AWARD FOR CREATIVITY- 2002
KORA AWARD Nomination – “Best Artiste from Southern Africa”, for his work, “Zani Muwone”
SAMA Music Award – for Best African Artiste – 2003
As the country is going through difficult times due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Drew real name Andrew Mijoya will on February 14 release his first Extended Play (EP) to cheer up his fans as the world celebrates love on Valentine’s day.
The EP will be dropped ahead of his Debut Album release later this year.
Tittled “love” the EP intends to remind all that despite going through hard times everyone can take time to appreciate and celebrate with those they love.
“This EP is a celebration of Love, and it covers Agape (The God Kind of Love), and Eros (Romantic Love).
“It always feels great to help lighten up mood for my fans when they are passing through trying times,” said Dr. Drew, who is also a medical doctor by profession.
According to the artist he worked with one Lilongwe based, and two Blantyre Based producers.
Dr. Drew:This EP is a celebration of Love
“Obed Kananji of Groove Factory Lilongwe produced two tracks namely ‘Ndiganiza za Iwe’ and ‘Ndimakukonda’, which were then recorded at Phantom by Blessings Hollah.
“Blantyre based producer AB Malinga of Melodix studio produced My Everything and Original and ‘Chikondi’ was produced by myself and recorded at Phantom,” he said.
Among the artists he has collaborated with are Niekay on ‘Chikondi’, Gospel rapper Regenerate on Original, and Tamanda Mgala on My Everything.
“We have taken time to explore different styles on this project. Two tracks have all instruments recorded live and the other three have a combination of live and digital instruments.
“We have also included rap on one of the tracks, which means that there is something for every listener out there,” explained the artist.
This EP will be available for purchase via digital platforms at K 1,000.
After taking eight years sabbatical leave in the music industry, Musician-cum police officer Cassim Manda Mkombezi is set to release a new track entitled ‘Levitiko 26’ in which he calling upon Malawians to repent.
We have sinned against God- Manda
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday Manda Mkombezi, who is also Deputy Public Relations Officer for Dedza Police, said the song is calling upon people to seek the face of God amid coronavirus pandemic.
Manda popularly known as Soldier ‘Dr. Cassim Manda’ in the music circle described the deadly coronavirus pandemic as punishment from God for not living in accordance with His laws and commandments
“We are not living according to God’s will that’s why we are having Covid-19 pandemic. We need to turn away from our evil ways and seek God’s forgiveness” said Manda
Manda advise members of the general public that corona pandemic is still causing problems people must repent and return to almighty creator, who according to him has the capacity of wiping all global pandemics.
“In Leviticus 26Verse 3, God promised that if we obey him, he will send us rain at right time and we will be victorious over our enemies,” said Manda adding that the track will be out soon.
In one of the verses, Manda sings: “Miliri tikuona ingathe, kulapa kuthawira kwa iye, corona/Aids nchiyaninso (all plagues experiencing now can be wiped away if people repent. And further notices, corona/Aids pandemics are nothing in sight of God).
Apart from composing Music the Police Publicist Manda also writes radio and Television plays.
Mzuzu, March 10, Mana: A Mzuzu based youthful author and nursing student, Sam Nkonde, has published a book titled “Mind-set Change” after getting inspired by Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima’s mind-set change lecture held in October, 2020.
The book discusses attitudes and line of thoughts that are setbacks to personal and national development and it offers solutions on the same.
Among others it condemns perceptions such as; imported products being superior to locally manufactured ones, Malawi cannot survive without donor support and that working in a foreign country pays off than in Malawi.
In an interview on Monday, Nkonde said he was inspired by the Vice President’s lecture on mind-set change that there is need for Malawians to have mind-set change if the nation is to develop.
Nkonde who is a nursing student at Saint John of God School of Health Sciences said the 76 paged book gives hints on how to identify detrimental attitudes that require change.
“The book is exploring 27 areas that require immediate mind-set repositioning for quick individual and national development,” he said.
Nkonde discloses that ideas in the book are as a result of personal assessment, book feeding sessions and learning from public lectures.
Madalitso Banda commended Nkonde for the book saying it offers solutions to many challenges the country is facing.
The book is expected to be on the market by 29th March this year and will be sold at K5, 000.
Nkonde had also published a book titled Rise up, Fight the Challenge.
TNM Youth Stars of Malawi (in white) with Joseph Nkasa
Malawi’s pioneer mobile and ICT services provider TNM plc Wednesday evening unveiled seven young artists as its Brand Ambassadors dubbed the ‘TNM Youth Stars of Malawi’.
The young Brand Ambassadors are all below the age of 22 years selected and are some of the most promising young talents in their field of expertise.
TNM plc unveiled Alex Gomba, a Violinist, Amaka, a Reggae/dancehall musician, Eli Njuchi, a Singer and songwriter, Hadji Wali, a Malawi Under 20 Men’s football team captain, Mphalitso Kachigwanda, a Model, Tamanda Kanjaye, a Poet and 16 year old Vincent Kamlanje of Vinnie Visuals, a Cinematographer as Brand Ambassadors.
Speaking in Lilongwe during the launch of TNM Youth Stars of Malawi, TNM plc Chief Executive Officer Arnold Mbwana said the seven are rising stars in music, the display arts, cinematography and sports and will work as a bridge between TNM and the Malawian youths.
“Being young people who are living the reality of current Malawian lifestyle, the chosen seven will both promote TNM plc products and interact with the youth and also act as role models and an inspiration that it is indeed possible to achieve high levels of excellence within Malawi. NdiZotheka!” said Mbwana.
He said as a local company, TNM plc realizes the importance of promoting young local talent hence the motivation to sign the seven young talented individuals.
“Each has a unique talent that they are bringing and TNM plc will provide a platform for each to showcase and grow their talents. TNM plc envisions a future where big brands are able to partner with young people who exhibit high potential to promote Malawian culture and talent in a way that will encourage other people to aspire for more.”
“The youth brand ambassadors are young individuals who can positively influence their peers. Malawi can look up to and appreciate the talents that they have, as a company, TNM plc will invest in their talents and develop a strong synergy for the benefit of our young stars, our wider customers and the telecom company. This should create new possibilities as TNM connects people and this collaboration changes lives,” explained Mbwana.
Launching the initiative, Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama thanked TNM plc for signing the young talents saying the youthful brand ambassadors will act as role models and also as an inspiration that it is indeed possible to achieve so much within Malawi.
“The engagement of these youth stars will promote Malawian culture and talent in a way that will inspire others, not only youths but even older people to aspire for more. We can use these brand ambassadors to help us send out very important messages to the people out there,” said Msungama.
It’s a WRAP! Congratulations to the MTF Academy Class of 2020
Celebrating the conclusion of a successful second year for the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF).
Tuesday, 6 April 2021 – Despite the challenging year that was 2020, MultiChoice is thrilled to congratulate the MTF Academy Class of 2020 on their graduation!
2020 was undoubtedly tough due to COVID-19, but the ability for all the 60 students from the Lusaka, Nairobi and Lagos academy hubs to quickly adapt and transition from physical to virtual learning speaks to the world-class nature of the academy’s course, says Yolisa Phahle, CEO of General Entertainment and Connected Services, MultiChoice Group.
“The MultiChoice Talent Factory is very close to my heart. It speaks to who we are as Africans, natural-born storytellers. Today we are here to celebrate the second cohort who were dealt a heavy blow by the COVID-19 pandemic but the challenge seems to have brought on even greater opportunities,” Phahle adds.
The students’ academic course was extended from 12 month to 18 months due to the pandemic. This additional time translated to the students today walking away with not one but two qualifications, making them even more sought-after as they re-enter their respective local film and TV sectors as highly qualified industry professionals. Alongside their MTF qualification, the students also walk away with an equally illustrious qualification from the prestigious New York Film Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (NYFA).
Africa’s creative industries are custodians of the continent’s cultural heritage, and as Africa’s most-loved storyteller, MultiChoice has always put to use its burning desire to develop and invest in African talent through initiatives such as MTF. And like the previous cohort, the skills gained by the Class of 2020 once again shone through during their course.
The students completed an intensive 3-week online NYFA course on the production of micro-documentaries, PSAs and music videos and also worked with the United Nations on the global #PledgeToPause campaign, exposing the young creatives to global networks. In addition, MTF graduates are now part of the MTF alumni network and connected to industry professionals from across the continent through the MTF Portal – www.multichoicetalentfactory.com
The continued success of the MTF initiative since its start in 2018 is also rooted in its illustrious partnerships, namely with NYFA, the Henley Business School Africa, Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria, Kenyatta University in Kenya and the University of Zambia in Zambia. MTF also has partnerships with internationally acclaimed organisations Dolby, Jasco Broadcast Solutions and Nihilent.
MTF’s partners have further contributed to the initiative by offering awards to this year’s graduates. The awards and lucky recipients are:
Chisomo Livason
The NYFA 8-week scholarship, which goes to the top performing graduate per region.
This year’s recipients are; Abisola Aboaba (Nigeria), Daisy Masembe (Uganda) and Maira Tauacale (Mozambique).
An 8-week scriptwriting internship on an animation series from global consulting and solutions integration company Nihilent Technologies. The winners are; Julie Ako (Nigeria), Kefa Igilo (Tanzania) and Hilma Sheehama (Namibia).
Jasco Broadcast Solutions will provide one AVID media composer licence to the most-promising film video editor per region. The recipients are Gbenga Gomes (Nigeria), Isiko Abubaker (Uganda) and Abel Ngoma (Zambia). The AVID Pro Tools license for the most-promising sound engineer per region was awarded to Igho Arusi Avuirovarie (Nigeria), Maurice Muendo (Kenya) and Reijhaart Wolhuter (Namibia).
MultiChoice’s platforms will be giving students an amazing opportunity to work at M-Net local productions. Each winner will take part in a 4-week internship on M-Net productions equipping them with the skills they need to tell authentic and original African stories. Well done to Joshua Tsotso (Nigeria), Hanigun Kwenya (Kenya) and Masuzyo Mwale (Zambia).
“This is a proud moment for everyone involved in ensuring that the students became graduates. It’s also been fulfilling to see just how in-tune this next generation of African storytellers are with the importance of being multi-skilled and intuitive creatives,” Phahle continues “All this would not have been possible without the collaboration and commitment of our fantastic partners.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2020 who are now alumni of the exceptional MTF Academy programme. The future of Africa’s creative industries looks bright!
Notes to the Editor:
Special thanks to all our MTF Partners who include:
ABOUT DOLBY INSTITUTE:
Launched at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, the Dolby Institute has the mission to educate and inspire emerging filmmakers and content creators to think creatively about sound and image to enhance their stories. Since its inception, the Institute has brought together emerging artists and award-winning veterans and masters of the craft to offer concrete tools and advice on ways to make stories more vibrant with sound and images. Dolby Institute Director Glenn Kiser, the former head of Skywalker Sound, has been working at film festivals, universities, and film schools – wherever filmmakers gather.
New York Film Academy (NYFA) teaches students the art of filmmaking and related visual and performing arts through blending traditional school instruction with practical, hands-on experience. NYFA is the largest independent international film and acting school in the world. Since 1992, NYFA has been offering innovative curriculum, award-winning instructors, and the highest quality professional equipment, classrooms, and studios. NYFA works to further a global understanding of, and appreciation for, the art and craft of visual storytelling through the education and training of interested and qualified individuals, and to hone the skills of future professionals so that they may one day serve the visual storytelling arts as industry leaders. NYFA has campuses and permanent education sites in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami (South Beach), Gold Coast (Australia), Paris, and Florence. The school offers a variety of programs in areas such as filmmaking, acting for film, photography, 3D animation and visual effects, game design, graphic design, screenwriting, producing, documentary, cinematography, virtual reality, broadcast journalism, and musical theatre.
In the past 15 years alone, NYFA has welcomed more than 1,250 African students — from 37 African countries — who have studied with us at our U.S. Campuses.
Jasco Broadcast Solutions designs, builds, installs, integrates and maintains end-to-end video and audio solutions for broadcasters as well as production and post-production houses. We offer technology and services to take you from image capture through to transmission and beyond. Our full-service offering utilises leading brands to deliver bespoke solutions that rival those of the best broadcasters, production and post-production houses across the world. Our decades of experience and longstanding strategic alliances with the best global brands have enabled us to gain unrivalled depth of technical knowledge and experience in the industry.
Nihilent Technologies is a global consulting and IT services solutions integration company, which uses a holistic and systems approach to problem-solving. Headquartered in Pune, India, Nihilent has experience in international consulting, IT outsourcing and IT services, and has helped more than 300 customers in more than 30 countries. Nihilent’s operations span North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Henley Business School is a triple-accredited business school and part of the University of Reading. With campuses, offices and partnerships around the world, over 7,000 students from more than 100 countries and over 75,000 alumni from 150 countries, it is a truly international institution. Our courses are enriched by up to date knowledge, research and commercial experience, and aimed at helping professionals develop at every stage of their career – through undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, MBA, DBA and executive education.
This is a great motivation – Majamanda (L) with Kogoyo during last years FOA festival
Lilongwe, April 10, Mana: Malawian filmmakers with a passion to raise awareness about achievements of people with various physical challenges are likely to earn bigger this year, following the revision of award prices in the Focus on Ability (FOA) Short Film Festival Awards.
FOA Short Film Festival is an international movement with its headquarters in Sydney, Australia which started in 2009, to raise awareness about abilities and achievements of people with disabilities across the world.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency, Chief Executive Officer for Focus on Ability Society (FODS), Macdonald Nyirenda, said the festival encourages filmmakers together with people with disabilities to tell stories about abilities of people with disabilities.
The aim is to challenge people’s fixed beliefs towards values and lives of people with disabilities through film.
Nyirenda said since 2017, Malawian filmmakers have been able to participate at national and international level, but this year competitors will even compete for much higher prices.
“At international level where Malawian films compete with other countries, prizes have been updated.
“Judges’ Choice of international best film is at AU$ 5, 000, US$5,000 for international best documentaries, and most international online votes have been raised from AU$ 2000 to AU$ 5000,” said Nyirenda in an emailed response.
He said the development should be a motivation for Malawian filmmakers to participate in this year’s film festival. He said this will also motivate people with physical disabilities to come out and tell more of their achievements.
“Prizes awarded to people with disabilities as best actors in the submissions encourage them to have their talents showcased and inspire others, including those without disabilities, to believe in themselves that they can achieve despite any obstacles,” said Nyirenda.
He, however, said the dates for international and Malawi awards events will be announced after closure for receiving submissions which is July 30, 2021.
One of Malawi’s filmmakers who participated in the 2020 awards is Sam Majamanda of Twilight Film Company. His film, which portrayed the extraordinary abilities of Talandira Kogoya, won in the short documentary at national level.
Majamanda said the raise in rewards comes as great news to all filmmakers in Malawi, especially those that have interest in showcasing the ability of people with disabilities.
“I for one appreciate FOA Australia and their affiliates here in Malawi for this commendable gesture. It shows that they appreciate the efforts that filmmakers put in producing quality work.
“I would also like to ask other organisations and companies to emulate the example of setting up film competitions in Malawi.
“These are the kind of gestures we need if we want to develop more talent and revolutionise the film industry in Malawi,” said Majamanda of Twilight Film Company.
Lilongwe, April 10, Mana: Mimosa Travelling Theater says it is geared to release its first movie, which will be premiered on Mzati TV on May 1, 2021.
The film titled ‘Mudzi wanga (my village)’portrays messages conveyed to communities through civic education to address challenges and other issues that affect people’s day-to-day life.
In ‘Mudzi wanga’ Film Project, the movies will be coming in episodes, starting with season one episode one on Mzati Television Station.
The highlights of the story in the first movie to be released tell about a village chief who used charms to create problems in his village. Once the people faced problems, they would go to the chief to log their concerns.
The chief would then easily manage the challenges but after some years he died, leaving nobody to take his position in managing the challenges.
However, in the same village there was another man who was God-fearing but people regarded him as mad.
When he wanted to intervene with ideas in solving problems that the chief caused, people took him for granted and did not listen to him.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency, Mimosa Traveling Theatre Publicity Secretary, Azeez Losa said the film would help address issues in real life situation, promote talent for youngsters and expose their skills to help them earn a living independently.
“We are expecting that after watching the film, people will change their mindset on issues that affect them as Malawian citizens.
“The film will sensitise people so that they are able to address daily challenges related to love, religious affairs as well as gender issues among others,” Losa explained.
Losa further said the film will help people in conveying messages on the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People should expect to learn a lot from the film and it is our corporate responsibility as Malawian citizens to take a leading role in relaying information on COVID-19, its prevention as well as ways of ending it,” he said.
Mzati TV Station Manager, Rachel Joshua, confirmed to MANA to have granted the theatre group free broadcast of the movie on the television station, saying that would be a way of supporting them while they are looking for sponsors.
“We are premiering ‘Mudzi wanga’ tv series which will be broadcasted on Mzati TV. A fresh episode will be coming every Saturday at 8:00 pm and a repeat on Wednesday same time,” said Joshua.
The Mudzi wanga Film Projectis currently being implemented with contributions from its members.
It has been written and produced by Harry Malingamoyo and directed by Azeez Losa. Currently, it has 15 members but plans are underway to recruit more characters as the story continues in series.
Africa Magic, the continent’s leading provider of premium entertainment content, will on Wednesday, April 21st premiere a new television series, Baby Drama.
Baby Drama revolves around the lives of five women who deal with the reality of how a baby or – lack of one – will affect their lives.
The new series which will air from 22:00 CAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 151) features some of the finest talents in Nollywood such as Bimbo Akintola, Joseph Benjamin, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Wole Ojo, Uru Eke and Nollywood newbies, Anee Icha and Nengi Adoki.
Baby Drama will take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as they get immersed in the lives of the characters’ relationships and their journeys to parenthood. It also explores the myths and cultural nuances associated with pregnancy, delayed childbirth, assisted reproduction, and how individuals deal with the changes from having a baby or not having one at all.
Speaking on the premiere of the new series, Channel Director, Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said: “Baby Drama will take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as they get immersed in the lives of the characters, their relationships and their journeys to parenthood. It also explores the myths and cultural nuances associated with pregnancy, assisted reproduction and how individuals deal with the changes a baby or no baby brings. We’re excited about this new series and we are sure our viewers will be entertained by the stellar cast and excellent storytelling we are known for”.
DStv viewers can watch these exciting series via the DStv app on multiple devices at no additional cost. The app is available for download from the Apple and Google Play app stores.
The series will also be available on online streaming service, Showmax. DStv Premium customers get Showmax at no extra cost whilst DStv Compact Plus, Compact, Confam and Yanga customers get it at half the price.
For more information on these and other Africa Magic programming, visit www.africamagic.tv or follow the verified social media pages of DStv and Africa Magic.
SAINT: As an artist, I am obliged to serve my country
As one of the celebrated musicians in the country, Saint has shaken the ground with his latest release “KULIMA”, a theme song for KULIMA- Schools Without Walls movie which is scheduled for a virtual premiere on 7th May.
The song has been appraised by local music devotees as a masterpiece as, not only does it entertain, it also teaches and motivates Malawians to engage in good agricultural practices while farming.
In the 4-minute song, Saint, whose real name is Yamikani Chikwawe, takes a step to appreciate how fertile the land of the country is before tipping farmers on how best they can go with their farming activities without compromising natural resources.
Saint was engaged to come up with the concept of the theme song and warmly embraced it as it was something he has always wanted to do.
“As an artist, I am obliged to serve my country. When I heard about the concept, I knew I had to do it better for Malawi. Farming is one of the routines that can pull the country on a great height hence we need to protect and preserve our natural resources,” he said.
Kelvin Sulugwe, one of the media personnel who supports the organization of the virtual event, hails Saint for the song and recommends watching the movie as it has fueled his decision to venture into farming.
“It is a very nice song for those who love good music. Again, it is through this movie that I have been motivated to seriously think about farming,” reads part of Sulugwe’s Facebook post.
The movie, titled KULIMA – School without Walls, is a captivating film about Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)’s and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)’s contribution to the Farmer Field School approach of the KULIMA programme funded by the European Union (EU) with co-funding of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
It will be premiered on May 7th on Zodiak TV and virtually on the Facebook pages of Zodiak Online, KULIMA Movie as well as European Union in Malawi. The premiere will start at 8:30 PM.
Meanwhile, Saint’s KULIMA theme song has already started enjoying airwaves and is available on MalawiMusic and Mikozi Network websites.
…..As they host their second successful content Showcase
CEO of General Entertainment and Connected Video Yolisa Phahle
There is no denying that over the recent years, the significance of content, particularly television content has reached immeasurable heights. Throughout the years, MultiChoice Malawi has cemented its position as trailblazers in the delivery of premium content at their Annual Content Showcase.
2021 has been no different as the MultiChoice Malawi team hosted media to a thrilling virtual Showcase, giving an exclusive look at the exciting content hitting Malawian viewers’ screens in the near future on DStv and GOtv.
“As Africa’s number one storyteller, we continue to bring more content to our customers that entertains and resonates with them and will continue to provide our customers with choice in all aspects of our services”, Gus Banda MultiChoice Malawi Managing Director.
New channels and Returning Series
Speaking on MultiChoice Group’s hyper-local strategy in obtaining countless hours of African content, Yolisa Phahle CEO of General Entertainment and Connected Video, said, ‘’It is because of our customers that we can continue to focus our energy on growing the African film industry and bringing content which is authentically yours. Relevant, local and above all, entertaining and informative.”
As part of our hyper local strategy we introduced a new local channel Mwabi Tv which showcases local programs such as pamphambano, Miska pa Malawi, Phindu point just to mention a few.
Last month we launched the new OneZed channel allowing customers an opportunity to experience great and authentic African content. The channel hosts shows such as Zuba – which follows a young village quest to become a fashion designer and the challenges she must face to achieve this dream, Date My Family Zambia, Zatu and Mfuti.
The recently launched Pan-African lifestyle channel, HONEY, will keep you locked to your TVs and entertained with our exclusive African content line up which covers lifestyle, food and cooking, relationships, and weddings along with reality shows from various territories throughout the continent.
On the international front, viewers will continue to be spoiled for choice as they can expect more blockbuster hits as well as riveting series returns. Highly acclaimed movies such as The Flight Attendant, featuring Kaley Cuoco, Birds of Prey, and titles skipping the theatres and making their way straight to you can be expected in the upcoming months as international titles continue to keep viewers glued to their screens and devices.
On the series side, Issa Rae and the rest of her girlfriends return for the final season of Insecure on 1Magic, whilst Queen Latifah reigns supreme on The Equalizer also on 1Magic. No matter what kind of content you fancy, DStv has got you this season!
Innovating with Times
As a business that puts the customer’s need at the core of every decision, we are constantly embarking on various initiatives to improve overall customer experience, through innovations that are aimed at increasing and optimising touchpoints across the customer lifecycle.Last year we launched MyDStv and MyGOtv apps which enable customers to manage their accounts, view current balance, payment history, and change packages.
Customers are also able to update their contact details and fix error codes in the comfort of their homes. With the current challenges the world is facing, there has been an increase in the number of people spending more time at home. The DStv app will ensure peace in home and solve your TV sharing problems. With the app you can watch TV from any smart device including your phone, tablet, or laptop. Our catch-up on demand on DStv will keep your weekend interesting as you watch back-to-back episodes of your favourite shows.
Igniting the African Film industry
MultiChoice continues making great strides to grow the African film industry and particularly the Malawian film industry. Through our flagship Corporate Social Value initiative, The MultiChoice Talent Factory, we continue to train more young Malawians in film.
During the recently held second MTF graduation, two Malawian students, Chisomo Livason and Mphatso, graduated from the Academy after attending an eighteen-month intensive course in both theory and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.
The otherwise 12 months course was extended to 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This additional time translated to the students graduating with not one but two qualifications, making them even more sought-after as they re-enter the local film and TV sector as highly qualified industry professionals.
Everyday Value
Our mission is to deliver value to our customers by making great entertainment more accessible remains a priority for us. Despite the many challenges we have faced, we will continue to find and develop the right mix of content and deliver it to Malawians across the country – anytime, anywhere. Whether it is local telenovelas, the excitement of world class sport or the latest global blockbusters – concluded Banda.
Mzuzu, April 29, Mana: Poet Robert Chiwamba has released spoken word poem “Mbiri safuta” a tribute to late State President Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika.
In an interview on Thursday in Mzuzu, he said he released the poem because of the good work the late President did to the country during his era.
The Poet recites that no one can erase what Mutharika did for the country during his tenure including farm input subsidy programme which ended hunger in his first year of office.
“You cannot erase history of our late President Bingu wa Mutharika. Even if you close your eyes you will still see his vision and what he did for the country.
“Even outside this country people have respect for Ngwazi Prof Bingu wa Mutharika. He was a great man,” Chiwamba narrates.
He said among other important things the former late President Mutharika constructed Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Chitipa Karonga road new Parliament Building among other thing.
Chiwamba praises Mutharika for Nkhotakota and Nkhata Bay District Hospitals which among others have improved maternal health.
He salutes Bingu for strongly denying homosexuality and taking vendors out of streets to designated markets.
However the poem on the other hand quashes unworthy conducts in Bingu’s era such as abuse of youth called cadets, who threatened citizens with panga knives.
The Poet concludes that every person born from a human being has his own weaknesses likewise the late President has his very own weaknesses.
One of the leading financial institutions in Malawi, FDH Bank has lived to its promise after issuing a cheque worth MK1 million towards Medson Kapeni popularly known Made-See in the music industry.
According to the bank’s marketing Manager, Ronald Chimchere, FDH committed to releasing a MK 2 million financial package half of which was already channeled towards the educational expenses of the upcoming afro-dance artist.
“Having sorted out his school fees we thought that this is the perfect time that we support him to have his music recorded with the new producer he has found. We are just honouring our promise our main interest is to see him excel both in academics and music,” said Chimchere.
In an interview with state controlled broadcaster MBC Made-See says he has signed up for Dali Beats to release his 10 track album.
” It’s going to be a bomb of an album, I have lined up 10 tracks,” said Made-See adding that ” I don’t have an MSCE certificate so I will make sure I work hard in school to get it, I don’t despise education.”
The sixteen-year-old artist was previously being mentored by FDH Brand Ambassador Patience Namadingo.-MBC Online
Bass N Truth Entertainment artist Sergius real name Frazier Yassin has established “Learn Easy Campaign” aimed at reaching out to the needy learners in various schools in Malawi.
Sergius’ first task was helping out needy learners with various items for teaching and learning plus Covid-19 materials in Balaka district, specifically Dziwa School.
Dziwa is an educational initiative in Balaka that helps prepare young children for success in kindergarten, and through primary school.
The initiative strives to ensure that every child in the village has a level playing field when they begin their primary to secondary education.
Catherine Fukulani, a veteran in education founded Dziwa School in 2010 when she retired to settle in her village.
She realized that the levels of illiteracy and drop outs were high, as the nearest school was over 10km to the village.
Dziwa was born to help kids from the communities learn to read and write and she envisioned a program that would give those children the start they needed to succeed in their education.
Dziwa educational program hopes to have college students and community volunteers to work with kids in low-income areas.
The school program provides a consistent and positive environment to help them develop the necessary skills.
Dziwa promotes critical skills in language, literacy, and social-emotional development.
The school is funded through donations, revenue comes from individuals, currently runs on her personal funds to supply teaching materials, meals for pupils and salaries for the teachers, and in-kind contributions.
Astoundingly, more than 80 percent of the operating budget goes to the program.
Sergius’s learn easy campaign, partnered with Mot by Annie and fashion brand that helped donate 120 reusable masks for the teachers and some pupils during this Covid-19 Pandemic.
As such, Sergius album “My Mother’s Child” is only selling at 2000MK to help fund other school rescue initiatives.
“My Mother’s Child” album was produced by Mic Blaze, Phava and Justus Divine including a skit and outro.
The album was recorded at Day Break studios, mixed by Nefter and Mastered by Justus.
The High Court, Commercial Division sitting in Blantyre has discharged an injunction which musician Evans Zangazanga famed ‘Piksy’ obtained against Everest Industries, proprietors of bottled water branded Moyo Madzi.
Piksy obtained an injunction from the commercial division of the High Court alleging that Moyo Madzi was a bogus product passing off as his product called #Moyo Natural Spring Water.
However Judge Dr Michael Ntambo in his ruling ordered that Everest Industries are the duly registered proprietors of the trademark ‘Moyo Madzi’ and as such Piksy had no legal basis to restrain them from from producing, bottling and selling Moyo Madzi as doing so would be tantamount to infringing on the trademark rights of Everest Industries.
Lawyer representing Everest Industries Edward Chagalamuka Banda expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
“I think the problem with with Mr. Zangazanga was that he rushed to court and obtained an ex-parte order of injunction in jest, without doing any research in so far as the legal status of the trade mark Moyo Madzi was concerned. A lot could have been avoided on their part simply by consulting the office of the Registrar General for guidance prior to going to court. I must say, we are not surprised that the injunction has effectively been discharged, it was expected.”
PIKSY: His application has been thrown out
Everest Industries General manager Aditya Gadhvi said they were happy justice had been served.
Gadhvi said production of the water had resumed and they hoped to meet the demand for the water which had piled up following the injunction.
He said he believed the musician was threatened by the popularity of Moyo Madzi which has become a fast growing brand on the market.
“What surprised us when we were served with the injunction was that we had never seen their water in any retail outlet before. Not even heard about it before. So it was very surprising to be sued over something we didn’t even know existed. Said Gadhvi.
Malawi has hosted the second edition of Euro Film Festival in Lilongwe and Blantyre, courtesy of European Union (EU). The festival which took place on Friday and Saturday also coincided with Europe Day celebrations on 9 May.
Speaking at the official opening of the festival on Friday, EU Charge d’Affaires Ms Aurelie Valtat said the Euro Film Festival is taking Malawi movie scene to the next level.
“The EU has been fervent supporter of the art scene in Malawi for many years. Art in Park, Music Crossroads, the DJ lab are some of the events and organizations that we regularly support,” she stated.
Also present at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Michael Usi said the arts, heritage and tourism sector has been highlighted as one of the key areas for development in the Malawi Agenda 2063.
He further appealed to the European Union and other development partners to continue supporting various sectors as outlined in the Agenda 2063, including the arts, heritage and tourism sector.
Some of the films screened at the festival included Tiza and the Robot, The Camino Voyage, Atlantique, Tigwirane Manja, Cold Case Hammerskjold and Druk.
The festival followed a film workshop that was held on the 9th of April, 2021 at the EU Residence, in Lilongwe where over 30 Malawian filmmakers participated at, sharing ideas and learning from film making facilitators from Malawi, South Africa, Kenya and the UK.
In November 2018, the European Commission started a project to support the creation and enhance the quality of European Film Festivals organised by the delegations of the European Union.
The project is managed by a consortium formed by Goethe-Institut, Institut français and Cineuropa, the portal for the promotion of the European cinema. The initiative is operational from November 2018 to November 2022.
