Shamboko Beverages, a Lilongwe-based alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages production company is investing in local Hip-Hop music talent search as a way of promoting Malawian urban talent.

Hip-Hop artist Martse (left) set to perform at the TimeOut … Photo courtesy of TOYA Photograph

Dubbed “Timeout Cyphers”, the show will be launching this weekend, Saturday 4th July 2015 at Mbowe Filling Station in the capital city from13:30 to 17:30pm.

TimeOut is one of the products by Shamboko Beverages and is funding the project to the tune of K7 million. The show will run in seasons with the first season, which has six episodes, scheduled to end in December.

Contenders will have to battle in the cyphers and the winner of each episode will have free recording deals at Studio6, with free beats from Lilongwe-based veteran Hip-Hop producer Dominant One aka D1, who will also be the host of the “Timeout Cypher” show.

Caleb Kawamba, Head of Marketing & Sales at Shamboko Beverages, says: “We have invested in promoting entertainment events before such as social weekends in schools like Bunda College and NRC as well as the launch of Gwamba’s first album and have noticed that Hip-Hop/Rap music has a big influence on young people, especially urban youths.

“We have decided to make this our first initiative on the basis that we will be promoting the talent as well as providing entertainment. At the end of Season 1 we will produce the Cypher featuring the best MC’s (rappers) in Season 1 and that’s six artists.”

Shamboko Beverages, which also produces the popular local cream liquor called “Ngwazi” as well as bottled and sachet water called “Nyanja ndi Yathu”, have big plans to invest in the local entertainment industry as they are also looking at the dance and fashion industries with great interest.

“Dancing competitions will surely be a part of ‘Timeout Cyphers Season 2’ but will definitely incorporate some during the first season [and] maybe soon we will announce another initiative towards fashion,” indicates Kawamba.

Currently, registration for the “TimeOut Cyphers” from interested candidates is underway via Whatsapp, SMS or Calls on this number+265995838307, which you can also call for more information.

The launch show this Saturday will feature guest Hip-Hop artists Martse, Krazie G, Sage Poet, among others and entry is free.

According to Kawamba, the video recordings of TimeOut Cyphers will be featured on all leading entertainment shows on local televisions including MBCtv, Zodiak TV, Timveni TV and Times TV every last Friday of the month

Their name might sound new in Malawi gospel music domain but their songs are a marvel to listen. The dual comprising of Chimwemwe Chimwala and Rabbi Singini started way back in 2004 in Likuni at Charismatic Redeemed Ministries International praise team before relocating to South Africa.

Brothers in Christ are set to re-launch the album in Malawi

Though the journey has been   full of potholes, for the group to come up with the debut album, their songs are ear catching and worthy listening.

Speaking in an interview one of the group members, Chimwemwe Chimwala said it took them time to come with the composition in order to give out the best and easy to digest.

”It took us time to compose all the songs because we wanted God’s intervention in our project so that we can give the best to our fans, something which is of great value. These are not bubble gum songs which you can only listen today and tomorrow. These are songs which you can listen forever”. He said

Chimwala said, the group had a colorful launch of their album in South Africa which attracted many Malawian singers based in the rainbow nation.

He said “Ndisuntheni” album have songs of different genres ranging from reggae, Kwaito, and some emulating Malawi’s traditions carrying a strong message of hope, faith and salvation.

“We have not actively joined the Malawi gospel music industry to make money but rather to win souls, we are living in end times and our mission is to turn people to Christ by preaching the gospel. Just like the book of Hosea which says “my people are perishing because of lack of knowledge”, we as brothers in Christ we are bringing the much needed knowledge” said Chimwala

The ten songs album include songs like Wabadwa, I surrender , Ali nane cholinga, Zamoyo zinayi and several others are currently enjoying air play in different radio stations in south Africa and Malawi.

When asked on what the future hold for the group, Rabbi Singini sounded optimistic that they have entered the industry to fulfill their evangelistic mission of turning lost souls to Christ. “We are here to stay and we will never get moved by the devil. We want people from every corner to come to Christ” Explained Singini

Singini promised fireworks as they are currently preparing for the launch”We will come up with a new stage performance, something which Malawi has never had before. We want to give the best feel of what live performance is, Malawi being our home we will indeed give the best to our fans,” said Singini

Malawi High Commission in South Africa is inviting Malawians who reside in South Africa and other nationalities to the interdenominational prayer service for Malawi Independence day celebrations which mark 51 years since Malawi’s independence.

Consul at Malawi consulate George Chilonga who is also Chairing the invent said  during the service special prayers will be held to remember 7 Malawians who died in the recent xenophobic attacks.

The prayers will start Saturday 4th with a get together which will follow with music to be performed by varies gospel artists and choirs. At Midrand Conference Centre in Johannesburg.

Chilonga encouraged South African and other nationalities living in South Africa to come and interact together during the prayers as one way of making peace. xenophobic attacks. 

” This is the reason why we are inviting other nationalities to attend the function, we want to promote peace among us and pray for the souls of those who were killed during the attacks” said Chilonga

After releasing the all time hit single ‘Linda’ from his debut album ‘Umodzi’ in 2007, Marco Sadik has continued to develop his musical talents further and gone on to be regarded as one of the best contemporary AfroFusion musicians originating out of Malawi.

Marko Sadik

Following his highly acclaimed performances at the Lake of Stars International Music Festival in 2009 and 2010, Marco released his second album ‘Zanga’ in 2011 before moving to Nairobi, Kenya.

He later released singles ‘Hizo ni zao’ produced by Kenya producer RKay, followed by ‘Samalani Chikondi’ produced byPro Pee and ‘Zonse ndi nthawi’ recorded in 2013 in Amsterdam and
produced by Lesley Romano.

Over the past two year Marco has taken time to completing a degree in Audio Engineering in the Netherlands, with the desire to hone his own skills as a live sound engineer. His time spent
overseas has given much to reflect on and provided new inspiration for his current material.

Now relocated back in Kenya, Marco feels ready to break the silence with a release of a first single ‘Amafuna Chikondi’ from his yet to be out third album entitled ‘Nsanje’.

The track ‘Amafuna Chikondi’, which has a strong Zouk rhythm has been produced by SHUNKYZ and recorded at On Ward studios in Nairobi, Kenya.

‘Next to come out will the second single “If you let me,”reveals Marco Sadik who is the executive producer for the whole project, which is set to be ready in September this year.

Critics should watch out the silky, husky voice artist is back with a bang.

Malawi Canadian Association of Alberta has been established and an interim committee has been formed.

Malawi Canadian Association officials

Although it was registered in the Province Alberta, however it will also reach out to Malawians in other provinces such as Saskatchewan and possibly Manitoba.

Mainly, the goal of the association amongst many is to promote Malawian culture and encourage fellowship.

On May 17, 2015 the Malawian Canadian Association of Alberta was launched at the AGM where new executive committee was nominated and conferred with the responsibility to constructively move the association forward.

Below is the list of the 2015/16 MCAA executives committee:

Chairman – Mwayi Kanjadza
Vice Chairman – Fukula Nyekanyeka
Secretary – Pachalo Mkandawire
Vice Secretary – Tawonga Lupwayi

Treasurer – Steve Saidi
Vice Treasurer – Tiwonge Nyirenda

Executive Members:
Siyani Nsaliwa
Peter Dziko
Nathan Banda
Emmela Gondwe
Jane Msowoya

Associations email address: malawicanadianassocofalberta@gmail.com

Malawian in the United Kingdom are set to celebrate Malawi’s independence day on the 11th July at Chelmsford City Football Club, Melbourne stadium in Essex instead of the 6th, the official day of Malawi’s national independence.

According to secretary general of Malawi Association UK (Mauk), Stephenson Mbewe, the event will be graced by new Malawi High Commissioner to Britain, Ken Mponda as guest of honour.

“The function to be held in Chelmsford is the official celebrations event this year. Every year we rotate the official event, it was in London last year and the 51 years independence celebrations will this year be held in Essex,” Mbewe said.

Mbewe said they chose Saturday the 11th rather than the 6th because of the general convenience of a Saturday.

He said the celebrations will be a family event with games for both adults and children.

Among the activities lined up for the day will be a social-football tournament sponsored by Air Malawi Cargo.

There will also be other entertainment packages such as DJs and local artists performing.

A chapter of Mauk in Manchester, is also preparing their own local gathering on July 18 after the official celebrations.

Chewa Heritage honoree and rapper Tay Grin had his Independence Day performance at Kamuzu Stadium put off-air on Monday.

Tay Grin

The Nyau King was one of the performers at the 6th July celebrations graced by State President Peter Mutharika and Zambian leader Edgar Lungu among others and was live on MBCtv.

Keeping his set original Grin did his thing in front of thousands of fans at the stadium, representing the local hip-hop community.

However, MBCtv broadcaster Dyson Milanzi jacked the airwaves, putting the rapper off the live transmission few seconds into his performance to talk about the football match between Malawi and Uganda.

What could be described as a deliberate move to black out Tay Grin set was even made worse as the telecaster only revealed that Uganda players and officials were yet to arrive ahead of the match at the same arena. Many did not take it well on social media.

Gospel musician King James Phiri has been sued for allegedly pocketing money for a show he did not perform.

Malawi gospel musician and crown puller King James Phiri

Civil case number 248 of 2015 filed in Ntcheu Magistrate Court reads that upcoming musician Odala Zamapemba has sued Phiri for failure to perform as a supporting artist at a show.

The complainant is demanding K113, 900 damages, including court fees, reports Zodiak .

According to the case file, Phiri received K28, 000 upfront of an agreed payment of K35, 000 for him to perform along Zamapemba at Zambezi Evangelical Church on 28 June, 2015 but he did not show up.

Zamapemba claims the show failed to take place because the main supporting artist did not show up and allegedly never gave any excuse.

In the lawsuit Zamapemba wants Phiri to pay him damages amounting to K99, 500 which, plus court fees, amounts to K113, 900.

Phiri confirmed the lawsuit in an interview with Zodiak , saying he will settle the matter by Tuesday, July 7.

He indicated that will negotiate only to repay the amount he pocketed on grounds that the show could have proceeded in his absence because he was just a supporting artist.

The court has set July 16, 2015 as the deadline for Phiri to respond as to whether he will defend himself in court or pay the damages.

The Lake of Stars (LoS) festival has announced another crop of local and international artists to add to the line-up which includes Nigerian artist Ric Hassani of the Dance Baby Dance fame.

The Lake of Stars festival helps fly the flag for Malawian tourism

An announcement on the event’s Facebook page also confirmed South Africa’s award winning rapper Toya De Lazy and Swedish group Young Fathers among others will all perform at >Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi along Lake Malawi from Friday, 25 to Sunday 27 September.

Other foreign artists lined-up are Mokoomba from Zimbabwe and UNFPA’s Safeguard Young People Project which features Tha Dogg from Namibia, Zimbabwe’s Bryan K, former Big Brother Africa Botswana representative Zeus, KrTC from Swaziland, Lesotho’s Stlofa, DJ Kaliwa from Zambia

“They will be joined by Malawi’s ambassador for the project, Gwamba,” reads an announcement on the event’s Facebook page.

Local music icon Lucius Banda, who recently released new singles off his upcoming album “Thank You” will playlive on the beach. He will grace the beach stage alongside Sally Nyundo and Gasper Nali.

Others will be George Kalukusha, Danny Kalima aka Sirius, Lulu and the Mathumela Band and many more.

This year, people should expect a huge variety of activities including music, dance, poetry, theatre, art, interactive science exhibits, and children’s games with kids under 12 entering for free, according to organisers.

Alongside the main festival, there will be free outreach activities in neighbouring Chipoka Village for the local community.

At the heat of increasing number of men of God and formation of churches, the country’s longest surviving drama group, Kwathu has taken a brave move to caution the nation against some self imposed and false prophets in their new play.

A scene in the play

The play depicts that some prophets do preach hate and destroy families instead of preaching love and building relationships which the case should be bearing in mind that where there is God there is always peace.

In a play premiered Saturday in Mulanje before moving to Blantyre on Sunday, Kwathu bluntly cautions people to take care as some of the prophets are just there to rip off from them.

Worth highlighting in the play is the story of a happily married couple who part ways after the woman starts attending fellowships where the prophet reaches a point of engaging some people to be masquerading as sick or disabled, so that it appears that he has some healing powers, just to get popular.

Through that scheme, the prophet is popular and rich and even goes further to use his powers to destroy families, including of a happily couple by claiming that the husband was possessed which made the wife frequently quarrel with the husband and later the family breaks up.

Ironically, the prophet finds a house for the woman and starts paying rent for her. But people later realize what kind of character their prophet was. Some followers face him including the husband whose family broke up as it finally comes in the open that his wife was fed with wrong information that he was possessed with evil spirits.

A resident of Chilobwe, who asked for anonymity, thanked Kwathu drama group for touching on the issue though sensitive it is, saying he bears witness to the case the drama group has raised.

“Families are living in troubled waters because of some false prophets while others have been chased out of rented houses because of the same after getting prophesies against their husbands and landlords, let God help us,” said the Blantyre resident.

The play is co-written by former parliamentarian and long time musician Billy Kaunda of the Mwapindulanji fame, and Kwathu’s veteran actor and playwright Charles Mphoka.

It starred  Mphoka, Eric Mabeti, Linda Chatha, Enifa Chiwaya, Evans Mbewe, Frank Mbewe, Emma Chikwembeya, Ferguson Magona, Moses Mandebvu, Mussa Penoh, Penemulungu Banda and Neria Chosalawa.

The Sand Music Festival, one of the local music carnivals which takes place at Livingstonia Beach in Salima, has started announcing the acts to perform at this year’s event slated for October end.

Ma Blacks

First on the lineup are the country’s reggae music group The Black Missionaries as well as celebrated Chill DJ winner DJ Maya of Chez Ntemba International Club.

“Sunbird Sand Music Festival on the Local scene has THE BLACKS and Dj Maya on the contract papers. Look out the full list as we go,” they made the announcement on their Facebook page over the weekend.

The Sand Music Festival this year celebrates its 6th session to take place from 30 October to 1st November 2015, a month after the Lake of Stars Festival that takes places at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi.

Today the 15th of June 2015 the Sand Music Festival Organisers announces its return with another epic 4 days of music and outdoor play.

“After a successful run last year the Sunbird Sand Music Festival 2015 will showcase local and international comedians, local and international poetry, boxing, fashion and musicians.

“As usual, Sunbird Sand Music Festival will hold the Clean Senga Bay Campaign which this year will be on 15th October 2015,” disclosed the festival organisers in an earlier statement.

Tickets to the festival are expected be sold at the following prices; advance tickets: MK15, 000, tickets at the gate: MK20, 000.

Meanwhile, Sunbird Sand Music Festival is calling for applications from artists, [a detailed call is also available on theSunbird-Sand Music Festival Facebook page where all interested artists from Malawi and abroad will be able to request for application forms.

The festival also calls on the corporate world to support the locally owned festival.

Abale Ndikumbukeni, a video by a little known Nkhata Bay musician Gasper Nali, has hit over 9 million views on a Latinos Post on Facebook.

Gasper Nali folk-artist

A video of the folk artist has received worldwide acclaim and has seen about nine million views on Facebook and over one million views on YouTube despite that many of the people cannot understand the Chichewa language he uses.

Nali is a talented self-taught traditional musician from Nkhata Bay whose unique sound stems from the babatone, his self-made, one-stringed instrument played with a metal baton and a glass bottle used as a slide. He combines the babatoni with a floor bass drum (also self-made) and a crisp, clear voice to produce a rich blend.

The three-minute video shows Nkhata Bay native playing a home-made babatoni against a backdrop of the lake. He is playing a small drum with his foot and one of his large string guitars that he makes of recycled materials, including wire from burnt tyres.

In the comments section, several viewers laud the musician for the originality of his music.

Nali was previously featured in the documentary, ‘Deep Roots Malawi’, where he explains the origin of his instrument.

According to the 35-year-old Nali, he started playing  the babatoni with his young brother way back in time: “Back in Zingwangwa, my younger brother first made a guitar with three strings. I told him it was a good idea to make that kind of instrument. We started practicing and the sound was good, really good. So we decided to make a one-stringed guitar, which is called a babatoni. We cut a cow skin and fixed it on a mortar well. When we played people loved the music.”

A two minute, 57 seconds clip of him playing Abale Ndikumbukeni was initially recorded in 2007 but it went viral last month after Latin website Latinos Post reposted it, where it has so far garnered close to nine million views and 150 000 shares.

And since then, the video has been reposted by websites, with even reputable sites such as Huffington Post, Daily Motion and Heavy Metal picking up the clip and reposting it with commentaries.

An in an exclusive interview with Nyasa Times, the soft spoken musician says he has not started benefitting from all the publicity, but he looks forward to using his new-found fame to reach out to a wider audience.

And in an exclusive interview from Nkhata Bay, the Standard 7 dropout said he has been surprised by the sudden interest in his music.

“I am honestly surprised by this interest because the video was recorded many years ago,” said the soft-spoken musician who is a resident musician at Mayoka Village Lodge in Nkhata Bay.

Since 2002, Nali has been engaged by Mayoka Village Lodge, a tourist haven in Nkhata Bay.

Aside that, Nali says he is looking forward to performing at this year’s Lake of Stars Festival in Mangochi.

Watch the original video of Nali here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cmWi0vn5Y4