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Malawian gospel artists accuses radio personality George Adams of cheating them

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Some Malawian gospel artists have cried foul over the distribution of the cash donation Transport and Publics works minister, Sidik Mia presented to artists who curtain raised the launch of Kamuzu Barracks CCAP Singer’s album in Blantyre.

Mia gave renowned gospel artist Ethel Kamwendo-Banda K100,000, and K300,000 to other supporting artists, but controversy erupted over the cash with some artist accusing George Adams, who was the director of ceremonies during the album launch, of cheating them on the money.

Adams, who works for Calvary Family Church radio as a presenter, is alleged to have told some musicians, mostly upcoming gospel artists that they were sidelined because they were not on the programme, and that they were just ‘new kids in gospel circles’.

However, Adams told The Daily Times that he was advised to distribute the money to artists who were on the programme and he gave each of the supporting artists K50,000.

Kamwendo: Performed in Zimbabwe

Kamwendo: Received K100,000 from Mia

“Artists who did not receive the money were not on the programme and were just given the opportunity to perform because they asked to be given a chance to show their solidarity with Kamuzu Barracks,” he said.

This is not the first time for up and coming gospel artists to accuse directors of ceremonies and fellow musicians, especially the so called established musicians of duping and sidelining them during such events.


14 foreign designers in Malawi Fashion Week

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At least 14 fashion designers from outside Malawi have shown interest to participate in the inaugural Malawi Fashion Week (MFW) slated for May 30th to June 3rd.

According to the organisers of the fashion event, to be held at Umodzi Park, President’s Hotel Arena in Lilongwe, in total there are 48 designers that have registered.

A statement by organisers indicates that the foreign designers are from Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Uganda, United States of America and Zambia.

Meanwhile, the MFW organisers will this weekend be conducting designers’ auditions in the capital city.

“The auditions will be on Saturday and Sunday, 23-24 March at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe…from 8:00am to 6:00pm,” reads the statement.

According to MFW CEO Dawa Loga-Lemberger, the purpose of the auditions is to screen the outfits and select those that are fit to make it on the runway.

Modelling for Malawi Fashion Week

Modelling for Malawi Fashion Week

Several weeks ago, the organisers also conducted auditions to identify MFW 2013 models and 38 Malawian models were identified. They will be joined by their foreign counterparts who will be arriving in May.

25 models from outside Malawi have registered and are from Belgium, Botswana, Gabon, Ghana, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

MFW is a partnership between Elegant Resources by ArianaLouise and African Dzuwa. The event is expected to bring the fashion world into Malawi, where the fashion industry is emerging.

Kayira’s I will Try relaunched, now an e-book

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The biography of fallen novelist Legson Kayira I will try has been re-launched  with new revelations and is now on Amazon selling as an e-book..

According to Bright Malopa, CEO of Rivonia Media group, the group that has funded a reprint of the 1965 bestseller,  the  official launch of the book was held at  Riverside Sun Hotel in Vaal, South Africa..

He said  the e-book version of I will Try by Legson Kayira is now available on amazon’s kindlehttp://www.amazon.com/I-Will-Try-ebook/dp/B00BSW24AI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top, with the paperback versions available at Central Bookshop in Malawi and Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre.

“I am very happy with how the book has been received in South Africa and is now available to all exclusive book stores in Johansburg,Pretoria,Captown and Durban. An e book version is also available on Amazon’s kindle.Major cable networks and media houses like BBC,SABC,the UK’s Guardian, LA Times,and Seatle Times to mention a few amaongs the many have also lined up to review the book which is very encouraging,” Malopa told Nyasa Times.

 The legendary award winning musician Caiphus Semenye and the internationally acclaimed musician Letta Mbulu autographs "I Will Try" guide by Phill Molefe and Bright Malopa

The legendary award winning musician Caiphus Semenye and the internationally acclaimed musician Letta Mbulu autographs “I Will Try” guide by Phill Molefe and Bright Malopa

“We are just finalising global distribution logistics with big retailers in Australia ,US,UK,INDIA and China before embarking on a feature film and latter on video games on the same,” added Malopa .

I Will Try is a book about Kayira’s journey from Mpale Village in the Northern Malawi district of Chitipa to the United States. The book was 16 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list.

The revised book includes among others life after Kayira’s epic journey, his encounter with Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda at the former president’s invitation while he was still persona non grata, newspaper cuttings and press reportage on arrival and a historic picture on arrival featuring him wearing an overcoat once owned by G. Lewis Jones, assistant secretary of state.

Also in the revised I Will Try is a picture featuring Samson Chibambo, Pierre Chiwona, Prescott Kaliati and Legson Kayira formed who formed part of the Malawian contingent in the film “The Special Relationship” starring Michael Sheen (Tony Blair) and Dennis Quaid (Bill Clinton), directed by Richard Loncraineand written by Peter Morgan.

It is funny to learn that while little was said about Legson in Malawi, hundreds of millions Hindu followers in Asia to date revered Legson’s feats such that their leader, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, regularly includes quotes from I will Try in his public ceremonies because Legson’s own qualities of determination, hard work and dedication are similar to their founding spiritual leader Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

The foreword to the edition, written by Phil Molefe, former Sabc CEO, talks of the lesson of resilience passed through the pages: “The lesson one gets after reading this book is simple, rather than wail in silence and uncertainty, be inspired to push towards your utmost.”

Molefe says:“Legson Kayira was a real living soul, who with the primal gift of his bare feet, walked his way on this earth into emancipated significance, that you and I might awaken our inner self too, into that place of inspired possibility.

“I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, and that this legendary story touches your lives in a manner that inspires you to rise  and touch the lives of others.”

Kayira died last year from his base in London.

Bright Malopa,Director of celemonies and CEO of South african writers Association and Phil Mollefe Chairman of Rivonia Media group

Bright Malopa,Director of celemonies  Raks  Saekhoa and CEO of South african writers Association and Phil Mollefe Chairman of Rivonia Media group

 

A south african  write,poet and Singer Nomsa pose with Angella Stewart Buchanan Editor of I Will Try and General Manager of Rivionia Media Group

A south african write,poet and Singer Nomsa pose with Angella Stewart Buchanan Editor of I Will Try and General Manager of Rivionia Media Group

 Phill Mollefe Former CEO of SABC now Chairman of Rivonia Media Group, aclaimed musician Letta Mbulu,the legendary award winning musician Caiphus semenya and Bright Malopa CEO of Rivonia Media Group at the Launch of I will Try

Phill Mollefe Former CEO of SABC now Chairman of Rivonia Media Group, aclaimed musician Letta Mbulu,the legendary award winning musician Caiphus semenya and Bright Malopa CEO of Rivonia Media Group at the Launch of I will Try

Malawi film maker Joyah says bad economy, lack of market affecting local movies

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Renowned Malawi film maker, Charles Shemu Joyah, has said Malawi lacks a market for local movies.

He was speaking when he addressed students of the two-week long Film in A Box Training in the capital city Lilongwe organised by the pan-African Africa Movie Academy Awards’ (AMAA) on Thursday.

Film director Joyah, who is famous for his touching Seasons of a Life (2010), a 102 minutes US$100,000 movie/television film told the students training in various disciplines of movie making that it was difficult to sell movies in Malawi for many reasons, including the challenging economy.

“You can imagine a genuine movie that sells at K2,000 in Malawi. There are a lot of challenges first because viewers would prefer to buy groceries or ndiwo (relish) with the money than buy the movie.

Joya: Lack of market for Malawi films

Joya: Lack of market for Malawi films

“Secondly, there are a lot of pirated and other foreign movies selling by vendors at as low as K500 and these are several in one, say 10 movies in one VCD or DVD. People would opt to buy these poor quality products over serious Malawian movies,” explained the  surveying and mapping scientist-cum-film director.

Probably Malawi’s best movie maker and co-founder of the Malawi International Film Festival (MIFF), Joyah has also produced and premiered his latest movie, The Last Fishing Boat which has also been nominated for international awards.

“I have been talking to the Nigerians here to see if we could find means and ways of finding a market in their country and that could help if we spread our wings elsewhere. Otherwise I can describe the Malawian movie market as very hard and tough,” he said.

Malawi art is also heavily dogged by piracy and lack of proper marketing strategies by movie makers also make the industry challenging.

Joyah was part of the Nigerian and Malawian team of film experts that trained and provided inspiration talk to the more than 250 students training in the commercial city of Blantyre and Lilongwe.

The Film in A Box Training course normally takes 21 days but the first in Malawi has taken 14 days, with four two short movies about life at a school campus and effects of social media , two documentaries on the accident prone Linthipe River and on climate change battle in Malawi, and a biography on HIV and AIDS have been produced by the students.

The course teaches acting, producing and directing, choreography, editing, and sound mixing among many other skills.

Certificate awards will take place next month in April 2013 and high profile guests, probably President Joyce Banda, will be invited to the event.

Malawi veteran actor Henry Ntalika laid to rest

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The mortal remains of Malawi’s veteran theatre actor Henry Ntalika were laid to rest in an emotional ceremony at his home village, Chizungu 2, Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka district.

Scores of local artists- actors and actresses and representatives of other arts associations gathered in tears and sorrow to pay their last tributes to the late actor who was also vice president of the National Theatre Association of Malawi (NTAM).

The deceased was also Chief Commissioner for Scouts Association of Malawi (SAM), a non-formal education grouping of youth across Malawi with membership of over 10000 individuals.

In their eulogies, Smith Likongwe, Board Chairman of NTAM and Steve Kanene, Executive Director of SAM, described late Ntalika as a jovial, creative and hard working person who has greatly contributed to the socioeconomic development of the country.

Ntalika on the left, acting: Laid to rest

Ntalika on the left, acting: Laid to rest

“Late Ntalika was a great artiste and he will be sorely missed by all in the theatre industry,” said Likongwe, a University of Malawi’s Chancellor College theatre lecturer and renowned dramatist.

Late Ntalika starred in countless plays both radio and TV as well as theatre groups since he ventured into acting with Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre of Du Chisiza Junior in 1986.

His first appearance on stage to act in an active role was in Phulusa, Wakhumbata’s 1988 production, and then he went on to feature in various others such as Tatuya Futi, Kabuha Tragedy, Mugungo’s
Compound, Black Blawizo, Papa’s Empire, Nyamirandu and Black Cross.

In 1994, he was one of the founding members of the now defunct Mkumbira Arts Group.

Late Ntalika’s last appearance on stage was last month when he featured in Nanzikambe Arts Theatre production The President’s Prerogative. Prior to that he also featured in Nanzikambe’s I Will
Mary When I want.

The deceased actor, who died at Chiradzulu District Hospital last Wednesday after a short battle with meningitis, was also one of the popular voices on MBC’s radio soaps Mbaliyanga and Pakachere.
Died aged 44, late Ntalika is survived by a wife and two children.

Ex-Miss Malawi Faith Chibale hospitalised

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Former Miss Malawi Faith Chibale is admitted at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre where she is recovering from a suspected bout of meningitis.

A source close to the beauty queen told Nyasa Times that  Chibale has been admitted at the referral hospital for close to a week.

“She has been bedridden at her house in Kanjedza for the past month complaining of an  assortments of ailments. Things got worse last week when she was feeling poorly and was rushed to the hospital where tests showed that she had meningitis,” said a close friend.

A pal said Chibale is on the road to recovery.

“Faith is making good progress. She is now on the mend.”

Chibale; Recovering

Chibale; Recovering

Faith Chibale became an endearing figure when she won the Malawi News Model of the Year beauty pageantry in 2004.

Her easy smile, humility and charity works ensued that she remained a hugely popular figure who rejuvenated the dying pageantry.

Her love affair with the Malawian public continued when she won the Miss Malawi crown the following year.

She remains the most popular holder of the crown to date and remains an inspiration to many young Malawian girls across the country.

After she relinquished her crown, she continued to be a popular figure on the Malawian social scene and has appeared at the face of several advertising campaigns, most notable the TNM Caller Tunes campaign.

However, the short-haired princess has lately been in the news for the “social woes”.

Recently, Malawian tabloid The Weekend Times reported that there was a scene at her house when two men clashed in the dead of the night. The reports were not confirmed.

Chibale is reported to be in relationship with singer of the moment, Piksy.

The former beauty queen could not confirm nor deny about Piksy affair, saying “ I choose to keep my private life to myself. It is definitely not for the media.”

Faith was born on 30 April 1989 in a family of 10 children, seven girls and three boys . She is  the last born.

Lucky Dube’s band coming to Malawi for Lucius Banda’s DVD launch

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One People, a band formed for the remnants of Lucky Dube’s Slaves, is coming to Malawi next month for Lucius Banda’s DVD launch.

Lucius told Nyasa Times that he has been in contact with the band since two months ago when he travelled to Down Town Studios in Johannesburg to record his new album Time.

He collaborated with the band on a couple of songs including the hit ‘Missing Lucky Dube’.

“When I suggested to them that they should come to Malawi they were very excited and I am happy that this has finally been finalised,” he said.

One People, One Band

One People, One Band

According to Lucius, most of the band members travelled with the slain reggae star during his phenomenal trip to Malawi in 1989.

“They have fond memories of Malawi and try would like to relive the experience,” he said.

According to Lucius, the band with play here shows during which his Time DVD will be launched.

“I was already working on the launch of the Time DVD so we’ll kill two birds with one stone. Also, the band has finalize their new album so they will also play the songs apart from playing Lucky Dube’s music”

The first performance will be at Lilongwe Golf Club on Labour Day followed by two shows in Blantyre the following weekend.

Malawi Fashion Week 2013 designers selected

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Malawi Fashion Week, which is expected to attract local and international designers, will be showing for the first time at Umodzi Park, President’s Hotel Arena in Lilongwe from May 30 to June 03.

Over the weekend, organisers Elegant Resources by ArianaLouise and African Dzuwa conducted auditions at Crossroads Hotel in the capital city where judges selected 13 designers to showcase this year.

According to MFW Public Relations desk, out of the 53 designers that registered, 21 designers came for auditioned and showcased 10 outfits each, as per requirement. The outfits selected will be on the runway during the four-day event.

Apart from the 13, there are seven designers from Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia did not make it to the auditions but are expected to send their outfits this week and will be reviewed by the judges.

Some of the designers after auditions

Some of the designers after auditions

The MFW team has also said the designers who came for auditions but were not selected will be accorded an opportunity to showcase up to three outfits during this the 2013 MFW event.

The organizers have since said they are pleased with the creative and dedicated designers who came to the auditions to be part of the historic event.

“Their coming to auditions is a stepping stone to bigger and better things to come as we work together in growing the Malawi Fashion Industry.

“We recommend fashion designers in Malawi to take this [fashion designing] as a career not a hobby, so they have to invest time, dedication and resources,” reads a statement from MFW PR desk made available to Nyasa Times.

Meanwhile, the MFW organisers have lined up a number of pre-events to hype up the 2013 fashion week.

“We are calling [these] Malawi Fashion Week Nights and we will have six events, three in Lilongwe and three in Blantyre.”

The first two are on this weekend, in Lilongwe on Friday, 29 March, at the Living Room next to Zanzi and then in Blantyre at Club Lucky Lucianos on Saturday, 30th March.

“There will be lots of exciting activities, with performances by Lulu at both shows. People have to dress to impress because there will be Fashion Police everywhere. Those who will commit fashion crimes will be taken captive and be charged K200 to be set free.”

The organisers have also said there will be a package of surprises with competitions through the nights, raffle draws to be included.


Zambia’s Mampi in town, kick-starts Malawi tour

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Zambia’s R&B singer, Mampi Mukape, popularly known by her stage name Mampi will Thursday night start her Easter tour in Malawi with an opening performance at Mungo Park in Lilongwe.

The Walilowelela celebrity singer, who has taken Africa and other parts of the world by storm with her music, arrived in Malawi on Wednesday afternoon.

Mampi is scheduled to have five shows in the country, two in Lilongwe while Blantyre and Mangochi will have one concert each, courtesy of Phindu Promotions.

From Mungo Park, the Lusaka Queen will be at Robins Park in Blantyre on Friday night, then at Zitherepano in Mangochi on Saturday night before hitting the capital city once more to round up the tour at Lilongwe Golf Club and Tiripano Leisure Centre on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

Mampi: On stage.-Photo credit Post of Zambia

Mampi: On stage.-Photo credit Post of Zambia

Mampi returns to Malawi following her September 2012 shows in Blantyre and Lilongwe. Last December, the Zambian failed to show up at a show organised by MultiChoice Malawi.

Abel Kumwenda of Phindu Promotions told Nyasa Times that all was set for the tour, saying Mampi and all the artists lined up to perform were ready to rock.

“We are set and all the artists are ready to give their best. We will give Malawians maximum entertainment this Easter,” said Kumwenda.

Mampi is expected to share the stage with Malawian artists Lucius Banda, Black Missionaries, Anthony Makondetsa, Skeffa Chimoto, Maskal, Piksy, Symon & Kendall as well as Armstrong.

Malawi Afro-pop singer Maskal’s engages ‘wa CV ya bo’ Sekai Mponda

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People of all walks of life on Saturday afternoon trekked to Chapima Heights residential area in commercial city if Blantyre where renowned Afro-pop star Maskal presented a betrothal gift to his fiancée, Sekai Mponda in a traditional engagement, which represents a formal agreement to future marriage.

Traditionally and during such ceremonies, the woman’s ring is presented as a engagement gift by a man to his prospective spouse while he proposes marriage or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. Betrothal is a pact of engagement to be married.

As such, the Afro-pop star had all the reason to be on cloud nine following overwhelming support from his colleagues and relations who spiced up the splendid occasion with their dancing skills and pleasant cheering.

The occasion was well patronized with fun lovers occasionally taking to the dancing floor, nearly hiking and turning the ceremony into a concert as they wanted more songs from Maskal who was given time to perform popular tracks Zili ndi Iwe and Usatope from his latest album Umunthu.

Maskal & Sekai: Love pact for marriage

Maskal & Sekai: Love pact for marriage

Maskal, born Masiye Kasaru on November 20, 1985, hails from Dedza district in central Malawi.

In 2011, he was nominated in two categories at the Malawian Music Awards (MMA), namely Best male and Best R&B.

Since launching his career, he has collaborated on songs with the likes of Lucius Banda, Young Kay, Tigris and Piksy, among others.

He was the fourth Malawian to perform at Big Brother Africa show. He also shared stage with Sean Kingston during his Malawi tour.

Maskal performing at his engagement , Zili ndi Iwe

Maskal performing at his engagement , Zili ndi Iwe

Friends dancing

Friends dancing

Dancing to Maskal's engagement

Dancing to Maskal’s engagement

Malawi Fashion Week models in big walk, car wash fundraiser

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The CEO posing with designer Sanna & the models

The CEO posing with designer Sanna & the models

Malawi Fashion Week (MFW) models will this Saturday be in the capital city Lilongwe for a big walk and car wash aimed at raising funds to pay for the MFW boot camp.

To be part of the boot camp, which is called MFW College, each model is supposed to pay an amount of K30,000 as commitment fee.

The walk, organized by the MFW team and endorsed by the Lilongwe City Assembly and Police, will start at Crossroads Complex at 8:30am to Lilongwe Old Town and back to Game Shopping Complex for car wash.

This fundraiser, according to the MFW PR desk, will go a long way towards helping the up-and-coming models launch their professional modeling careers through the MFW College and the MFW 2013 event.

“We urge the public to support this cause, their contribution will make an impact in the lives and careers of these models. It is an opportunity to transform their lives and become superstar models,” a statement from MFW made available to Nyasa Times reads.

The MFW boot camp is scheduled to start next weekend, 12 April at Anachulu Villa, Ntcheu Boma, and will run for 14 days.

The fashion week organizers have said the camp will be a life-changing opportunity for models as they will undergo intensive training in different aspects, not only modeling but day-to-day living.

Among them, models will be groomed on how to have self-confidence, time management skills, catwalk, etiquette and how to live healthy lifestyles through various physical exercises and nutrition programs.

“This intensive two-week boot camp program guarantees models to become super shining stars in no time,” further states the statement.

MFW has engaged the services of one of South Africa’s top models-cum-trainers Neetasha Singh and Zambia’s Alice Musukwa, who will take a leading role in coaching the models.

The two foreign instructors are expected to be paid US$1,000 (about K420, 000) each to train the Malawian models, who most of them have not attended any training in modeling.

According to the statement, Musukwa, a well known models trainer in the neighboring Zambia, charges US$1,000 per person per month, but the MFW organizers negotiated to $1,000, for the whole event.

Singh charges R500 (equivalent to K24, 000) per model per day and instead of receiving K720, 000 at the end of her coaching, she is expected to receive K420, 000.

Apart from the foreign instructors, there are local five local trainers who will be getting K32, 500 per day to groom the models.

There are 38 local models that were selected during auditions to go into boot camp.

This year, Malawi will witness the birth of the MFW, slated for May 30 to June 03 at Umodzi Park located at the Presidents Hotel Arena in Lilongwe.

Malawi designer Alfonso named FDH bank brand ambassador – paper

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London based Phylis Chipojola posing  in Lilly Alfonso's dress

London based Phyllis Chipojola posing in Lilly Alfonso’s dress

Lilly Alfonso: FDH bank brand ambassador

Lilly Alfonso: FDH bank brand ambassador

FDH bank has appointed Malawi’s celebrated fashion designer Lilly Alfonso as its brand ambassador, a newspaper reported on Thursday.

The bank’s Marketing Officer Kamihela Ng’ombe told The Nation that Alfonso is a fashion designer who has evolved over a number of years to come up with one of the top fashion labels in Malawi, LA Designs born out of pure passion and determination.

Alfonso is Malawi’s first clothes designer to attend Africa Fashion Week London a fete she will repeat this August. She will also make a maiden appearance at the African New York Fashion Week in the US in July this year.

FDH bank’s Marketing Officer said Alfonso “shall be representing our brand internationally, in particular promoting our recently launched FCDA Diaspora Account targeting all Malawians residing outside of the country, wishing to remit funds and transact within Malawi remotely and at minimal costs.”

Alfonso confirmed  to the paper that “I am now the brand ambassador of FDH bank.”

She said:”I am humbled with the trust FDH has shown in me to make me their brand ambassador out of many equally good designers in the country. This support will push me to greater heights as I and others strive to take Malawi on the international designing map. The good thing is the agreement both benefits me and the bank.”

Chaponda returns to Malawi with Presidents of Laughrica: Stand-up comedian

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Chaponda with his comic friends Ncube (C) and Salvado (R)

Chaponda with his comic friends Ncube (C) and Salvado (R)

Following the success of his previous comedy shows dubbed Laughrica in 2011 and The AntiSocial Commentator in 2012, Malawi’s stand-up comedian Daliso Chaponda returns home with a new show, the Presidents of Laughrica.

The UK-based comedian is scheduled to stage the show at the Bingu International Conference Centre in the capital Lilongwe on 20 April, alongside two of Africa’s funny comics Carl Joshua Ncube from Zimbabwe and Salvado from Uganda.

He says after performing with several other brilliant African comedians over the past year, he wanted to do something different and came up with the idea of doing Presidents of Laughrica featuring Africa’s best comedians.

“The premise is that African politicians are a bunch of comedians unintentionally anyway, and its time some professional show them how to do it right,” he explains in a statement made available to Nyasa Times.

Famed for his comic versatility, Daliso, also an established writer has had a busy past year having performed in South Africa at the renowned Stand Up Africa show held annually in Johannesburg, the DSTV Comedy Central show Live at Parkers, the African Kings of Comedy in Nigeria and London. He has also performed in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The renowned comic is also scheduled to take his first Malawi comedy show Laughrica on a 25 city tour across the UK, Namibia, South Africa and Nigeria later this year.

According to Daliso, his set on Presidents of Laughrica will cover everything ranging from religion – new Pope; romance – new developments with the lady he was whining about on stage last year; as well as politics – as his father (Dr. George Chaponda) is no longer in the cabinet.

“Laughrica in 2011 was great; Antisocial Commentator in 2012 was bigger and better, so naturally this is going to be the biggest and baddest show of them all. Nothing’s holding me back now, and this time I have brought two secret weapons with me, Carl and Salvado,” he cheekily adds.

Malawi’s Urban Music Party returns after two-year break

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Nde’feyo Entertainment has announced the return of Urban Music Party (UMP) promising spectacle and glamour after a two-year break with the 2013 main festival set to take place on Sunday, July 7 at Royal Palm Hotel in Blantyre.

Initiated in 2009, the annual urban talent and cultural event sets to re-concoct itself in renewed style strictly focusing on becoming a leading festival in urban arts event initiative in Malawi and beyond.

In a press statement Nde’feyo Entertainment Communications Manager Kimpho Loka said UMP creates a platform to celebrate and promote Malawian urban arts and culture thereby contributing to the country’s socioeconomic growth.

“The event will involve performances by various Malawian celebrated urban artists as well as up-and-coming ones, UMP Top Model, games and competitions of various forms, among others,” he said.

Kimpho Loka: UMP is back

Kimpho Loka: UMP is back

Loka added that prior to the main festival, UMP has lined up a number of activities in the major cities of the country, including UMP Malawi music nights where DJs will be playing strictly Malawian urban music coupled with live performances by top local urban musicians.

The date and venue for the first UMP Malawi music night is yet to be announced.

Loka said in the wake of increasing urbanization Malawi must have a voice in the global discourse adding that there is need to carve its identity and focus on its own priorities.

He said culture that is well preserved and uniquely described can help advance its people’s interest in all areas.

“Culture is dynamic and it should be allowed to serve the needs of its people.

“Urban culture with all different elements is very powerful in Malawi. Even though it is globally influenced, it is unique. If well-promoted it can advance the country’s efforts in many fields and arts are a powerful way of promoting culture and refining its unique identity.

“It is with this in mind that the UMP Festival was born. It is for Malawians and by Malawians but with a realization that we are part and parcel of a global movement. We need to promote Malawi urban arts if we are to compete on a global level,” he said.

He added that this can be done by Malawians themselves and UMP Festival also aims to touch on all important aspects of Malawian urban culture from dance, art, music, fashion and lifestyle.

He disclosed that invitations to the event will also be extended to other African acts, especially from the region.

UMP is a Malawian event initiative which aims at fostering socioeconomic growth through urban talent and culture. Nde’feyo Entertainment founded the initiative which boasts of an annual festival- The UMP – and other associated events and activities.

Previous UMP activities include the 2009 and 2010 main festivals, held at the now-destroyed Grin Bamboo in Blantyre and UMP themed University of Malawi (Unima) Alumni reunion held in 2010 at Chancellor College, Zomba.

The initiative is organized by a project team and plans are underway to turn the initiative into a trust.

UMP’s vision is to become a leading festival in urban arts event initiative in Malawi and Africa, with the mission to celebrate and promote Malawian urban arts and culture so as to contribute to the country’s socioeconomic growth.

Unmasking Michael ‘Manganya’ Usi: Malawi comedian, administrator

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Manganya on roach show shooting a movie, Kale  in which he acts as former president Kamuzu Banda

Manganya on roach show shooting a movie, Kale in which he acts as former president Kamuzu Banda

There is a very murky line that separates genius from madness. And, in most case, it is often difficult to distinguish one from the other.

But in very rare cases does one possess both attributes in equal measure.

Which is why the story of Michael Usi makes intriguing reading. The actor, activist and administrator wears two dissimilar hats that baffle many as to how he copes with the complexity of being a madman on a weekend and a serious administrator on a Monday morning.

Michael Usi plays the remarkably mischievous and roguish Manganya in the popular television soap Tikuferanji.

Usi inherited the Manganya nom-de-plume as soon as he ventured into drama and it has become his second nature, the shadow that follows him everywhere he goes.

Yet Manganya is a class away from the real Usi of everyday life.

Usi is the deputy country director at Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). He holds two Masters Degrees – one in International Development and another in Strategic Management – and is rumoured to be studying for a PhD with a UK university, although he brushed talk of this aside in a recent exclusive interview with Nyasa Times.

“Let’s not talk about my school because that is a private matter. What I enjoy talking about is drama,” he says.

So we settled down and talked drama.

The first question that springs to mind is how does he cope with being two different people in one lifetime?

“It’s not easy. It’s very difficult because people want me to be Manganya every day. Actually, some people like Manganya more than they like Michael Usi. But that’s the way it is,” he explains, but hastens to add: “Manganya and Michael Usi are two different characters. Actually, the only common denominator between the two is the way I laugh.”

According to Usi, one key attribute that has sustained him is the fact that he never forgets his roots.

“I am a village boy at heart. Although I have travelled from the village to the city, the village has remained in my head and heart. I never get carried away with fame and I never forget that I am Michael Usi. I remain grounded in whatever I do,” he says.

But Usi says it gets confusing, and sometimes even irritating, when people see him and mistake him for Manganya as he goes about his business around town.

“It’s crazy because some people approach me and accuse me of things that Manganya has done on television. Most of the times I just laugh it off but sometimes it gets irritating because I am in a business mood and I am rushing to a meeting but people want to stop me and talk about Manganya.”

Usi has come a long way from Golden Village, TA Chikumbu in Mulanje to become a national celebrity, endearing himself with scores of Malawians along the way.

He confesses that he only came to Blantyre as a grown up because of work.

Having studied medical sciences, Usi worked his way up, starting off as a clinician at Malamulo Hospital in Thyolo and then St Lukes Hospital in Zomba.

He says the one aspect that his patients remember him by is that he was cheerful.

“As a clinician, I was loved and endeared by my patients because I am naturally a people’s person,” he says.

His professional career aside, Usi says he has never forsaken his first love – drama.

“I fell in love with drama during my secondary school days and I did not forsake it because of my education or my career,” he says.

Watching him act with his cast, one cannot tell that Usi has academic credentials that set him apart from his fellow dramatists in Malawi. He seems so at home among the cast, hardly using his education as a competitive advantage against his peers.

“My secret is that I don’t talk about my education. I try to conceal it. Very few people know what papers I have. Which is why those people that knew me when I had nothing don’t see a difference when they see me now because I have hardly changed who I am as a person,” he says.

Although Usi refuses to talk about his education, he insists that education is a prerequisite for anyone seeking to make it in life. He says it is education that enables him to relate to all classes of people.

Invited to give a talk to a group of students and alumni at the National College of Information and Technology (NACIT) in Blantyre recently, Usi emphasised on the need for  education.

“Look at me, although people know me as a dramatist, I have been approached by several political parties to represent them during elections. And although I have always declined, I think they know that behind this dramatist, is a diplomat and a politician and that my potential has not been exploited to the fullest.”

Usi never shies from using drama to express his views on politics.

He crossed paths with the Bingu wa Mutharika government for his scathing play Loto la Farao. The play was highly acclaimed and it sold out during several performances in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

Usi was recently back in the news after he staged his new political play Moto wa Chilendo. However, the play received negative press reviews and Usi blamed his cast of sabotage, dismissing his entire cast before he assembles a new team to take the play on a nationwide tour.

And although he has graced the theatre stage for close to two decades and has produced four full length films along the way, Usi says he is not done yet.

“There is more to come from me. I have a lot of ideas that I want to bring to life,” he says.

Micheal Usi

Micheal Usi


Gwanda Chakuamba II into music

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The name Gwanda Chakuamba is no mystery, obviously with a controversial legacy in domestic politics. That aside, the old man is a family man and among his grandchildren is Gwanda Chakuamba II who trekked to the US at the age of 12 and currently plies his trade as a musician and actor. 

His mother’s luck with the American Green Card Lottery landed this young man in the United States, a home of great opportunities, at the age of 12.

Born Gwanda Chakuamba II, named after the great, yet controversial politician and grandfather. Gwanda was born in Blantyre at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital on June 12 1988. He has lived between Blantyre, Lilongwe, Nsanje, South Africa, and Mzuzu until he was 12.

Being in an environment where Gwanda Chakuamba wouldn’t mean a thing ,the artist has created a character by the name of Slim DeLeon which he expresses through music. “Slim— means young and DeLeon— meaning the lion or the king, so collectively, the young lion or the young king.

Gwanda Chakuamba II

Gwanda Chakuamba II

“Slim DeLeon is the world-wide voice of the youth. I represent Africa and I speak for Africa. I hope to inspire music, film, and art in Africa. The world sees Africa as naked, hungry savages but that is not the case. Africa is the world’s richest people, the most creative story tellers and film makers and also the most talented musicians,” he says.

He explains that his background in the entertainment industry is really something that happened almost by mistake.

“I would sing songs in the mirror as a kid. So when I came to the United States that had always been in the back of my mind but it didn’t seem obtainable for a long time. Up until about a year or two ago; I went to a classified ad website looking for an opportunity. So after searching, I found a local singer that was performing at a Lounge with a live band and I volunteered to help gaining experience.

“After the experience and inspiration from the artist I was going around the city of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, promoting myself as the next best thing emerging from the underground. I was having a freestyle battle with this artist from Germany, and T Miles (Master P and Lil Romeos right hand man at No Limit Forever Records) discovered me and handed a flyer which had an advertisement for the movie Recogniz’.

“I followed up with the information that he gave me and I ended up working as an intern (for free) for a little under a year. In this year is when I learned everything there is to know about entertainment,” says the artist.

He says he has so far released his debut album which he is giving out free as a mixtape.

Could this artist be the next best thing for Malawi?

“I’m a kid from the village, who is now rubbing elbows with people on the social status of the elite celebs in the industry,” he says.

Young Gwanda’s inspiration is his grandfather whom he grew up with and was always willing to help others.

“My grandfather was a voice for the people through politics. I am also the voice of the people through art and expression music and film,” he adds.

Gwanda can be followed on Twitter @iamslimdeleon Instagram — @iamslimdeleon Facebook and Youtube — iamslimdeleon.

“I am open to any collaborations and features and business ventures, performances, anything to empower our people and spread our culture through the world.”-Nation 

Malawi urban artist Piksy releases ‘Uncle Short One’ video on YouTube

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Malawi’s celebrated urban musician, Piksy, has released a video of one of his popular songs Uncle Short One, which has since been launched on YoutTube and is getting more viewing hits.

Piksy’s record label Nde’feyo  Entertainment said  Uncle Short One, is a song in which the person recounts the story of his life and shares his experiences about his uncle, Uncle Short One, whom he says was his best friend before they parted ways due to some disagreements.

“Uncle Short One isn’t my real uncle. He’s imaginary and in the video it shows my stages of life as young as a 7-year-old Piksy to the current Piksy,” Piksy is quoted as saying by The Nation.

Piksy_on_uncle_two_short_mar29

According to Piksy the video which has taken sometime to produce talks about his personal journey in life with an imaginary uncle who happens to be his best friend.

The video, shot by Chipiliro Khonje assisted by Ken Liwame and Wisdom Phanga , features Lovemore Umali aka 2K who is popularly known in the arts circles as Uncle Short One, as the main character.

Uncle Short One trails Unamata as Piksy’s second music video off his Maso album.

Gospel Music Awards were ‘pathetic’ -Musicians Association of Malawi

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Musicians Association of Malawi (Mam) President Chimwemwe Mhango has said the Gospel Music Awards (GMA) organisers had no money and that they wanted to raise money out of musicians.

This follows the failure by GMA to honour the winning musicians’ prizes.

“The Gospel Awards were pathetic. I have followed up everything and my opinion is that GMA Chairperson Kondwani Magela had no money and wanted to raise money out of musicians but the planning was poor and he ended up losing,” said Mhango as quoted in the press.

Mhango said Magela simply needed to apologise to the musicians and the country rather than making lame excuses.

“I have advised the gospel musicians to come up with a decision otherwise if he remains quiet and as well as unavailable we will surely take a legal action against him,” said Mhango.

Rev Mhango: Pathetic

Rev Mhango: Pathetic

In his letter written recently titled GMA explanation of non-payment of cash prizes to award winners and sourced by The Daily Times, Magela failed to explain clearly as to why they failed to pay the winners having promised that they had the budget for payment.

Magela said that the winners just want to gain public sympathy and be seen as victims as they had promised the organisers that the event would reap millions at the gate.

“These artists should not run away from the fact they claimed that the event would produce millions of kwachas from sms revenue and gate collection revenue stream would go to cash prizes,” he said.

But this is a contradiction of what Magela said when he claimed that they had prizes in place before the event.

Mhango also said that Magela and team assured the musicians and the nation during the launch at Grace Bandawe in Blantyre that they had the money for the cash prizes.

He said as Mam, they would now be reviewing awards and said that they would be sitting down for discussions with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture for solutions so that those who fail in their duties should be fined or be banned from hosting events.

Nkasa sings politics: ‘Vote Chimunthu’

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Malawi’s poetic musician Joseph Nkasa has composed a song urging Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to rally behind presidential aspirant Henry Chimunthu Banda. In the  song  Vote Chimunthu ,Mkasa sings:  “Tinaona nthawi ya impeachment, anthu ena anathawa kulowa mzipani zina, koma Chimunthu anaima nganganga pambuyo pa boma, mpaka bomalo linalimba.” In the chorus Mkasa chants:“Anthu akumwera, mvotereni, [...]

New dancehall artists ‘Nes Nes’ gaining airplay in Malawi radios

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The Prime Time Media signed artist NesNes is becoming a household name with his two monster hit singles, Wina Watenga and Chidodo gaining airplay in urban music radio shows. Monitored on MBC radio 2′s Top 40 weekly Countdown, which is broadcast every Wednesday, Wina Watenga is on position 16 whilst Chidodo, which also a club banger, is on position 35. The Lilongwe [...]
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