![Malawians on dancing floor in Leicester for Easter Fusion]()
Attendance of the “Easter Fusion” gigs in England for Malawian musicians Lulu, Skeffa Chimoto and Dan Lu were disappointing but nothing was going to stop the shows as artistes hit the stage with great performances.
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![Strictly Dancing: Dan Lu with a fan]()
Strictly Dancing: Dan Lu with a fan[/caption]
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![Having fun: Racheal Khan Muyepa showing her dancing skills on stage as Dan Lu watches on]()
Having fun: Racheal Khan Muyepa showing her dancing skills on stage as Dan Lu watches on[/caption]
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![Malawians on dancing floor in Leicester for Easter Fusion]()
Malawians on dancing floor in Leicester for Easter Fusion[/caption]
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![In Manchester, patrons at the Easter Fusion gig]()
In Manchester, patrons at the Easter Fusion gig[/caption]
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![Same venue, sell out crowd for Zimbabwe Jah Prayerz show 24 hours later]()
Same venue, sell out crowd for Zimbabwe Jah Prayerz show 24 hours later[/caption]
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![Mampi on stage]()
Mampi on stage[/caption]
The three Malawian singers were joined by Zambia’s diva Mampi Mukape to perform on Good Friday at Leicester Athena Conference and held another show in Manchester on Easter Saturday which was also marred by poor turnout of Malawians.
Lulu kicked-off the show on Friday; the “Ndzalera” star seemed not bothered by the small crowd that was in the gigantic hall.
He displayed his music talent in plucking the guitar combined with his silky voice and he had the great dancing antics.
Malawian fun seekers who attended the show could not help but dance along to the Lulu songs.
Then Dan Lu, who recently released a new song “Sweet Banana” featuring Nigeria’s Kcee, also gave a great performance.
The ‘Uhule ndi Mtima’ singer spiced up his performance by inviting on stage patrons to show their dancing skills.
Skeffa, who is best known for songs such as “Chikondi Chabodza” and “Chinamuluma Chakuda”, was seen most of the times collecting a lot of Sterling Pounds bank notes from the crowd who appreciated his singing.
“We could have performed more songs but we have just practised with this local band for a day. We only practised 15 songs and they have been fantastic,” Skeffa told the audience.
“In Malawi I perform three hours non-stop,” the Jamming Machine added.
Then Zambia’s singing sensation Mampi also took to the stage with his
Walilowelela popular song.
Mampi, a former contestant in the TV reality show Big Brother Africa, also showed her sensational dance moves that she is famous for.
And just like Dan Lu, the Zambian singer invited patrons to show their dancing skills on stage.
In wrapping the show, the three Malawian artists performed together a song in tribute to gospel music artist Grace Chinga who died last week.
“It was great tribute for Grace Chinga. I felt moved by that performance,” Pastor Elizabeth Kalonga said after the show.
Sheila Tobie Banda, an organiser of Face of Malawi UK said the gig was great despite the poor turn up.
And Miss Malawi UK organiser Kondi Bowoyeke Munthali bemoaned that Malawians could not patronise the show of their artists in large numbers.
“It’s time that Malawians should start promoting their own artists and shows,” he said .
At the same venue, 24 hours later Zimbabwe singer Jah Prayerz performed and filled the Athena Conference hall to full capacity. Zimbabweans trooped to the show that was a sell out.
“Enjoying a show doesn’t depend on the number of people that have attended; it depends on how great the performances are. Mampi and the Malawian artists did their best and I enjoyed the show,” a Zambian in Manchester Twalumba Mweetwa told
Nyasa Times after watching the 'Easter Fusion' in both venues.
The artists will also perform in London on April 2 at the Royal Regency, 501 High Street to wrap up the tour.
Organisers of the Easter Fusion, Grajoh Talent Management and Public Relations said they expect the final show to be “very great.”
Grace Ntolera-Mujungu said after performing with the band in two shows and that they have week to prepare for London show, it will be a mother of all gigs.
Top Malawi singers Maskal producer Twin Beatz and Piksy[/caption]
Dubbed Easter Beach Festival, the two-day event has a pool of artists to entertain those willing to experience life, the beauty and splendour of one of the beautiful beaches of Lake Malawi.
According to the organizers, the festival is expected to be headlined by Piksy, Maskal and Billy Kaunda with a string of various activities also on the menu.
“We have various sponsors who will be offering promotion activities with various surprises to be given out. And music aside, there will be sporting games for the audience,” explained Emmanuel Mwanyongo, member of the organizing team.
The festival is expected to kick-start on Saturday 26th March with an opening session featuring DJ performances as well as music acts from Mafo, Nyasa B, Blackface, P-Nice and Jamaco among others.
The Saturday event will spill over to Sunday when artists like Piksy, Maskal, Billy Kaunda, Bucci, Blaze, Moses Makawa and others will entertain the patronage.
Mwanyongo described the festival as ideal for people from Likoma Island and northern region, which is mostly starved of entertainment, to enjoy performances from their favorite artists.
“The venue is convenient and conducive for tourism. We would like to encourage people to travel and experience different scenery during Easter holidays”.
The organizers have line-dup DJ Trick, DJ Reubie, VJ Ice as well as Active X entertainment to amuse the audience.
Lulu, Dan Lu and Skeffa: in England for Easter Fusion[/caption]
Grajoh Talent Management director Johnson Mujungu told Nyasa Times on Wednesday that they were “delighted” with the arrival of Malawian stars .
“It’s all looking good for Easter Fusion. These three top musicians from Malawi will add a good flavour to the show,” Mujungu said.
Lulu, Skeffa Chimoto and Dan Lu left Malawi on Tuesday and arrived in London on Wednesday through London-Heathrow Airport.
Grajoh said they are expected to start training with a local band that will back them before kick-off of the ‘Easter Fusion’ this Friday at Athena Conference Hall in Leicester.
After Leicester, their next stop will be Easter Saturday in Manchester and then and London on April 02.
“[They] will perform along Uganda’s Lily Kyeyune and Jamal Wasswa and Zambia’s Mampi Mukape,” Grajoh said.
Mampi, the Walilowelela singer has also performed in Malawi alongside the Malawian artists and will be a fantastic reunion to share the stage in UK.
The Zambian also arrived on Wednesday and was welcomed by Grajoh's Malawian director Grace Ntolera-Mujungu.
The Malawian artists said they are geared to perform to their best in the international gig.
“People should expect the best from us,” said Lulu.
“We are ready, its like a world cup where each one of us want to be artist of the tour,” added Dan Lu.
Skeffa, the ‘Jamming Machine’ of Chinamuluma Chakuda’ fame , said he: “ I will give my best to give fans a good Easter Fusion.”
Molande: Public lecture on poetry[/caption]
According to Molande, the world celebrated World Poetry Day on 21st March and he thought such a big day set aside by the United Nations could not pass by quietly.
“This is one reason I decided to deliver a lecture on poetry. But also, I have been hugely disappointed by what people call poetry in this country. So, I want to address one of the unresolved questions of "What makes poetry to be poetry". Or, what really is poetic writing or poetic composition?” Molande said in an interview on Monday.
He added, “Literature is not what it used to be in Malawi, not even compared to our pre-colonial times when we thrived in oral literature. It is not what it ought to be in this age either. I think we lost our literary spirit partly because we lost a reading culture. Reading widely is what feeds the spirit of good writing. And then, we have a lot of literary false prophets. Some of the things we call poetry are not poetry.”
On a second note, the Director of Information revealed that he has developed a theory that explains the nature of poetry or poetic composition. The theory is called “The Principle of Association”.
He explained, “I believe all poetic composition and poetic writing converge on the Principle of Association. I hope to change the way we think when creating poetry or in creative writing in general. Possibly, this theory may also inform the way teachers teach poetry.
“Again, those who aspire to learn how to think poetically and write poetry will find this theory very useful. And I am sure this theory will influence our understanding or poetic writing across the world, at least to those who want to listen.”
He further stated that he has tested the theory and now he want to test the theory before a proper academic audience at the University of Malawi.
Molande is a published poet, and a literature teacher. He insists being a scholar, saying that is his profession.
“My background in poetry and creative writing explains why I am interested in poetry. Although I am engaged in the civil service, I am still what I am -- teacher and poet. Perhaps, simply a teacher because poets also teachers of humankind. I therefore keep my feet on my ground,” he articulated.
Before he joined the civil service, he taught a range of courses at the University of Malawi and briefly University of Mzuzu. He taught African Literature (including poetry) courses, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Public Relations and more philosophical courses like Literary Theory and Critical Theory.
Mbumba Banda: Reforming the beauty contest[/caption]
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Malawi model in bikini contest[/caption]
On Wednesday night ZBS and NPL were officially took over the operating licence from Events Management Limited (EML) the title holders of the pageant at a colourful event held at Capital hotel in Lilongwe.
This year’s event will be run under the theme "Making a Difference with Beauty” and auditions are expected to be done at district, regional and national level.
NPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mbumba Banda said the pageant would be used to tackle rising population and other social challenges facing the nation.
"The pageant will help open doors and will give young ladies hope," explained Banda.
She said as new organizers the main focus would be using the pageant to promote Malawian culture and values while restoring the lost glory and honour of the country’s top-notch beauty crown.
The competition has not been held for the three years and the coming in of ZBS and NPL surely breathes in a new life into the event.
"We will scout from Chitipa to Nsanje, Nkhotakota to Mchinji searching for beauty".
Banda revealed plans to have Miss Malawi winner contesting in the world top-most beauty pageant competitions, starting with 2017 Miss World contest.
Director of Culture in the Ministry of Tourism, Elizabeth Gomani Chindebvu hailed the new organizers and described modelling as one way of empowering young women in the country.
Chindebvu has since called on the corporate world to support modelling, which has potential to boost the country’s tourism sector.
Former Miss Malawi Event Manager, Carver Bhima noted that running the pageant has been highly challenging over the decades.
“We run it in the analogue era let the young people take it in the digital era," challenged Bhima.
EML are the pioneers of Miss Malawi under the celebrated organizer, Carver Bhima.
There have been inconsistencies in having the annual Miss Malawi beauty contests in recent years due to lack of sponsorship and continued change of organizers.
Malawi last participated in Miss World contest in 2012 where the country’s representative Susan Mtegha made headlines when she shoved a fellow contestant.
Namadingo: Malawi music prodigy par excellence[/caption]
The organisers have since listed Lusubilo Band, Kora Awards nominee, Piksy and Patience Namadingo to be among the festival's headliners.
Lake of Stars is a combination of music, poetry, and dance; and it give fun seekers opportunity to enjoy the beauty and the sparkle of waters of Lake Malawi.
''We are excited to announce that Lake of Stars is returning to its original home and will take place this year on the pristine white sands of Chintheche Inn on the northern lakeshore,'' announced the
festival's organizers on their Facebook page.
Lusubilo Band, Patience Namadingo, and Piksy are expected to be among the talented Malawian and international acts to perform at this year's three-day festival.
The festival will start from Friday 30th September and run up to Sunday 2nd October 2016.
Meanwhile, Ayiba Magazine has listed Lake of Stars 2016 as one of the top festivals on the continent.
Grace Chinga's children Steve and Miracle sing at the funeral ceremony of their mother -Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
This follows fabricated reports that were cooked and reported by some Malawi online news website and social media groups.
"A lot of people have been asking and willing to hear from me (and my family) in regards to the rumours that went viral on social media,” Steve’s post read in part.
He dismissed claims that suggest that the song " Ndzaulula " by Grace Chinga was talking about Prophet Bushiri.
"It has been a hard moment for us. We have lost our pillar and a figure that kept us strong. Tears are still oozing out and it is so unfortunate to see people using my mother's death as a way of damaging Prophet Shepherd Bushiri's reputation," he wrote on his Facebook timeline.
“I do not have a direct contact with Prophet Bushiri and am confident to say that my mother, late Grace Chinga was never in direct contact with Prophet Bushiri."
Steve also made reference to the song Ndzaulula saying it had nothing to do with the elegant preacher.
"The song in mention, I personally produced it and the message talks about men (first verse) and women (second verse) who are deep in worldly things that they think are hidden from the eyes of God.
"Saying Ndzaulura (I will reveal), my mother depicted the voice of God to such men and women sinning from behind the scenes and pretend to be holy in public. It could be a message for you and in for the things we do in the dark and not necessarily talking about the great man of God, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri," wrote the bereaved son.
He also took time to apologize to Bushiri on the rumours that engulfed social media.
"On behalf of my siblings, I take this opportunity to personally apologize to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri for what he has gone through when I lost my mother.
"Death awaits everyone. To people who have mocked my mother's death and used it to their gains, we pray for you and remind you that no one will leave forever. There will come a time when everyone will breath their last.
“We seriously disassociate our family from the rumours. Our mother brought us up to respect men of God and it is upon our Christian values to hold with high esteem all the men and women of God in this country.
“May the soul of our mother, late Grace Chinga continue to rest in peace. She was our hope. We loved her, but God loved her more and we believe the same God will award her for the Christian works she did in her life time."
Steve also took time to address the issue of piracy for his mothers album and unveiled plans to launch the album.
"And I just want to take this time to answer the recent question that we have received. A lot of people are asking when the new album will be released. Right now Miracle (Chinga’s surviving daughter) is expected to write MSCE exams this year so right now she is preparing to sit for her MSCE exams but as soon as she is done, we will proceed to launch the #Esther album by our late mother #GraceChinga," posted the young Chinga.
Commenting on the news, Bushiri expressed his gratitude to Chinga's family for coming out in the open and expose the truth.
"Am not easily shaken with matters such as this. We all know who came up with the rumours and why they did it. Malawians are now clever and able to read between the lines. We thank God that the truth is now out and the devil has been put to shame.
"Grace Chinga was a legend, we honour her death and legacy. Its unfortunate that others wanted to use it for their own gains," said Bushiri.
Meanwhile, press reports say some unscrupulous traders in Lilongwe have pounced on Chinga’s unreleased music albums, making copies of it and flooding the market with pirated version of the album.
Before her death, Chinga started work on her new project by recording two gospel albums at Alimoso Studios, which is run by Aligiza and another at Groove Magic Studios run by Joseph Tembo.
Chinga’s new song called Tikachita Bwino has also gone viral on social media as many view it as the one she prophesied her death.
One of the verses in the song goes: Pena udzafa utachita ngozi/Udzakomoka nkupitilira/Mwina kungogwa kufa osadwala/Pena kufera kutulo osadziwa/Kanthawi katsala konza mtima wako/Usazengeleze mwina mawa sufika/Wina aliyense adzaweluzidwa malingana ndizintchito zake.
Queen of gospel music on the local scene, Ethel Kamwendo has since called on Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) to stop the piracy of Chinga’s music.
Strictly Dancing: Dan Lu with a fan[/caption]
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Having fun: Racheal Khan Muyepa showing her dancing skills on stage as Dan Lu watches on[/caption]
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Malawians on dancing floor in Leicester for Easter Fusion[/caption]
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In Manchester, patrons at the Easter Fusion gig[/caption]
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Same venue, sell out crowd for Zimbabwe Jah Prayerz show 24 hours later[/caption]
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Nepman: Chilawe Changachi singer to perform at Morgan Heritage show[/caption]
The concert will take place at Silver stadium in Lilongwe.
"Some of the supporting artists (Curtain raisers): Ma Blacks, Soul Raiders, Tay Grin, Nepman, Blasto. 30th April, 2016 with Grammy Award Winners Morgan Heritage the whole movement. The Countdown starts now..." the band posted on their Facebook page.
The award-winning Jamaican band, which has five lead members Gramps Morgan, Peter Morgan, Mojo Morgan, Una Morgan and Nakamyah Morgan, will return to Malawi with the entire team [whole movement].
Last December, the band disappointed their fans when they performed using pre-recorded instruments during their first show at the venue in question.
Fans bought tickets hoping to see the whole movement, but only to be treated to pre-recorded instruments and back tracks. This did not go well the patrons who didn't have kind words for the band.
However, the group apologized to their fans and promised to return with the whole movement.
It was also transpired that their promoter did not inform local revellers in advance that the band would use pre-recorded instruments per their agreement.
"They are coming back to rectify what happened and the whole CTBC music movement will be here. We have to give people the show they want, so the whole band will be in Malawi, no substitutes," Mphatso Chaluluka, Born Afrikan Productions events coordinator, recently said when the band confirmed their second coming to Malawi.
The Morgan Heritage, formed in 1994, have 17 successful albums, with the most recent one, the 2016 Grammy Awards Best Reggae Album “Strictly Roots”, released in 2015.
Q Malewezi[/caption]
The poet made the remarks on a local TV interview ahead of his “People” poetry album launch on Saturday at BICC which is arguably the biggest showbiz arena in Lilongwe.
“Am always up for a challenge that’s why I chose BICC to launch my album. If it isn’t a challenge then why do it? Poetry being new in Malawi, it’s really a huge task to fill up the auditorium and am so excited about it,” he stated.
He further added that BICC is focal point where people of all walks of life convene.
“I am targeting everyone in this album hence the titled “People”. Am talking to the government, the private sector, the donor community and the general public,” Q narrated.
“People” album has all tracks done in English.
Quizzed on the language, Q responded, “Art has no language. One simply has to be honest and genuine in telling their stories. I comfortable performing in English and I always keep it simple because poetry is about communication. I also have a global audience that I need to communicate to.”
He added, “My poems are not complicated. I try to keep it simple. For instance, I have a 4 year old daughter who recites “people” poem.”
Coming from a musical background, Q has successfully established himself as a poet and spoken word artist.
“Many people know my father (former Malawi Veep Justin Malewezi) as a politician but to those that personally know him know that he was just serving in the public service. My father is a teacher and a good musician. He taught me how to play a guitar at the age of 9.
“I started poetry because I couldn’t rap. I was writing and producing for other people so I had to find a way to speak up,” disclosed the former Real Elements member adding, “It wasn’t easy to make it. People couldn’t take me seriously because they always knew me for my music; nonetheless I had to be bold because I knew what my heart wanted.”
Also performing at the launch is Robert Chiwamba, Menes La Plume, Vangile Gantsho, Phindu Zaiye Banda, Emmanuel Manto Banda and special guest veteran poet Benedicto Okomaatani Malunga.
The launch has been organised by Q’s own events management company, Qoncept Creative which also brought comedians such as Daliso Chaponda and Basketmouth and South Africa’s Lady Smith Black Mambazo.
“Mind you, the show is organized by Qoncept Creative so when we say the show is starting at 8pm, it is really starting at 8pm,” he joked.
The album was pre-released online on 19 March 2016 and it is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Tidal, Groove Deezer, Apple Music, Spotify and Shazam.
Lulu to launch new album[/caption]
The launch is scheduled to place at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) and not Golden Peacock Hotel as earlier communicated on 1st May, 2016.
The musician who is currently in the United Kingdom for performances said this is a special year as he releases a new album after a couple of years.
"This year is a very special year as I am launching yet another album after such a long time" said Lulu.
He last released a new albuM in 2013.
The new album include songs like Ungondibwelezela and Zagwera ine which can be downloaded on line via 
Dan Lu performing on stage with Malawian fan Jessie[/caption]
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Lulu live on stage[/caption]
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Grajoh:Grace Ntolera-Mujungu and Johnson Mujungu[/caption]
Grajoh has heightened the expectations, saying the London gig will be "a big one."
“[They] will perform along Uganda’s Lily Kyeyune and Jamal Wasswa and Zambia’s Mampi Mukape,” Grajoh said.
London venue is the Royal Regency, 501 High Street North, Manor Park – E12 FTH.
Lulu, Skeffa Chimoto and Dan Lu said they are keen to give their best in the final show.
“I really can't wait to perform in London and give the best,” said Lulu.
Dan Lu added: “We are going to give our best on the show."
There is also a big buzz of excitement from Zambian community in London with the presence of Mampi, the Walilowelela singer.
“I cant wait to be at the show. Mampi is massive when she performs her dance routine and for me its Walilowelela all the way,” Mwape Mwewa, a Zambian student said.
“We coming many of us for this show,” Mwape said.
Event organisers said everything has been set for the farewell gig.
