Tanzanian music great, Diamond Platnumz will perform at Lilongwe entertainment paradise Wakawaka Hotel in September.

Diamond Platnumz with a dancer

Wakawaka Hotel general manager Gabriel Nizeyimana said the Tanzania music star has confirmed his availability to come in September for the show but is yet to agree on date.

“We have arranged this show for September but again we are yet to agree on the right date as he has shows lined up. He is definitely coming,” said Nizeyimana.

“Diamond has done some great collaboration with Nigerian artists such as Davido. He is a popular artist who has shaken Africa with his music. We want Malawians to have a feel of his live performance.

In the past, Wakawaka Hotel have brought in the country tops artist such as South African DJ Oskido, Big Nuz and a couple of artists from Nigeria.

Blantyre’s top glamorous fashion event, Miss Blantyre Beauty Pageant will take place in October this year, new organizers have announced.

The reigning Miss Blantyre: Neria Nthara

Ngwiya: Miss Blantyre will be good this time around

The organizing chairperson Daniel Ngwira said all preparations are going on smoothly to come forth with a stunning formula that should take standards of modeling in Malawi to a different level.

“This year the management of the event will take a more professional approach learning from the past challenges that mainly came through due to lack of systems of governance and accountability. All portfolios in the organization will have to account for their activities and add value to the cause” said Ngwira.

Ngwira said the management has partnered with various business stakeholders including the City Council and Mayor to hold series of pre-event build up activities in Blantyre and a strategic sustainable campaign that should promote the girl child as a productive citizen.

He said this year’s Miss Blantyre beauty pageant will be held under the theme ‘Beyond beauty’   which aims to produce role models in the society rather than just models.

“The theme revolves around going outside the box of beauty to explore models that have extracurricular skills, talent and merits that can be worth modeling after. Stereotypes which models have suffered as being unfairly adjudged by society and thinks this year’s feat will try mending the reputation,” said Ngwira.

He therefore appealed to all current and aspiring models to strive for a difference in their lives if they are to become role models and productive citizens.

The last Miss Blantyre was conducted in December 2013 whose main sponsor was United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA). Polytechnic student Nerani Nthara emerged winner with Yalenga Vinkhumbo (Chancellor College first year) and Samantha Williams being first and second princesses respectively.

An appeal was made to the various corporate companies who would like to partner with the Pageant and leverage their brands on the event which comes in October. Redrose Modeling Agency hosted this event before but this year decided to hand over to an independent.

Guest of Honour for the event will be Mayor of Blantyre City, His Worship Noel Chalamanda.

The auditions for the event will be held early August.

Malawian music legend Wambali Mkandawire will be launching his latest album titled “Calabrash Breath”, on Saturday the 25th of July, at the Bingu International Conference Center (BICC) Auditorium.

Mte Wambali Mkandawire

A true music maestro, Wambali has over the years released timeless music that has earned him numerous awards and nominations including the Bingu Presidential Award in 2011, Kora Award Nomination for Best Southern African Artist in 2003, and MOBO Award Nomination for Best African Artist in 2007.

“People should expect to experience the beginning of a new era of jazz in Malawi,” says Wambali.

“Calabrash Breath” is Mte Wambali’s 9th studio album and is unique as it is pure jazz unlike his previous releases.

Wambali’s journey in music dates back to when he was only 8 years old while in Congo where he was born. With influences from his grandmother and mother’s Tumbuka hymns and fables, his grandfather’s gramophone with played music contemporary Congolese music to his uncle who introduced him to South African Jazz and music in general, his musical background is rich in diversity, from his first album “Tidzamutamanda” released in 1989 to the last released album “Liberty” back in 2011.

Backed up by a diverse rich band featuring a Congolese Bassist, Zambian lead guitarist, 2 Malawians on the keys and drums with himself an acoustic guitarist, the evening is set to be a night of beautiful music by talented musicians.

The tickets – MK 10,000 for Standard and MK 20,000 for VIP – are available at Wilderness Safaris, Ulendo, Four Seasons Garden Shop, Crossroads Hotel Business Centre, Papaya, Cappuccino’s, Flavour’s, Golf Club, La Dolce Vita, AC Opticals.

Every ticket holder will receive a FREE CD of the Calabrash Breath album. Corporate Bulk Tickets are available via the hotline: +265 11 155 0150

Afro-pop artist Dan Lu has taken his relationship with retired singer Emmie Kankweche a step further after revealing their engagement plans.

Dan Lu and Emmie: In love.-Photo by Nyasashowbiz

Dan Lu born Dan Lufani has been dating Kamkweche- dumped by her husband a year ago- after he controversially divorced his wife Tharisa Chimbalanga in March, 2013.

The two have taken every chance on social media to declare their affection for each other with Emmie constantly referring to herself as Dan Lu’s wife.

And the Hule ndi Mtima star let it out on Saturday when he revealed that they were about to engage.

”Me and my love chinkhoswe around the corner,” declared Dan Lu on his Facebook account.

The disclosure recieved mixed views with some commentators praying for the relationship to never end like Lufani and Kamkweche’s previous marriages.

Katrina Shakiniza Kachali was surprised with the issue and commented ”Kkkkkk mukwatila kangati? mmmmh paja a Dan ndi ichi chakoma ichi chakoma pusi anagwa chagada”.

”Wazigundayo ndaninso ?phanani ndithu nawenso Chakuda chikulume,” Shereen Wa Lungile Lugali wrote.

And William Kukhala Mtambalika wrote: ”Bola awanso musawasiye mukaona ena. Paja inu simumakhutitsidwa apa. Iyaaaaaa”.

Dan Lu who is expected to perform in South Africa soon has his to credit four albums: Shupie, Khaze, No Size and So What?

Afro R&B singer Dali has disclosed that his long-awaited debut album will be coming out before end of the year 2015.

Dali-Ndakusowa new video from the yet-to-be released album came out

The BenSam Entertainment artist revealed this in an interview  after releasing his latest song “Ndakusowa”.

“Am currently in Lilongwe finalizing my album and soon will be planning a launch,” confirmed the Blantyre artist.

“Will drop another song before the album comes out and the video for that one is already in progress,” he added.

Dali however said the album tittle was still pending:“We haven’t picked one yet. Management is also looking into that”.

According to the artist, all his previous singles, among them “Tsemwe”, “Pa Ochepa Omwewo”, “Sindikusiyasiya” and “Namwali” will not be part of the upcoming album because “they were all promotional material”.

“We are working on all new songs for the album,” said Dali, formerly known as Tech.

The yet-to-be-titled album will have productions by BFB of Exclusive Records, Janta of SU Records, DJ Sley of Chit-Chat Records, Stich Fray of D&T Records and Lulu of Mathumela Productions.

Watch Dali’s latest video “Ndakusowa” below:

Malawians in the United Kingdom are a pride to their country as they have maintained high degree of character and discipline, Mayor for Chelmsford, Councillor Paul Hutchison and the Malawi High Commission has said.

Mayor of Chelmsford, Air Malawi Cargo Steven Msamala present the trophy to Nottingham skipper

Proud of Malawi independence

Champions Nottinghman Team of Malawi

The Mayor who attended the 51^st Independence Celebrations in Chelmsford, said the many Malawians who had turned up for the celebrations indicated the proper coordination of Malawians in the United Kingdom and he was proud to host them.

“From 6^th July, 1964 Malawi became independent, we have had many people here and I am proud that we live well with them,” said the Mayor.

Representative of the Malawi High Commission said government is in the process of developing the diaspora policy and the Mission will facilitate the linkage between the diaspora and the government to make input in all critical issues including the issue of dual citizenship.

The celebrations which started with Air Malawi Cargo social football trophy which was won by Nottingham’s Malawi Team after beating the Birmingham Samba’s after an enthralling encounter.

Dozens of Malawians turned up to the Malawi Association Essex organised event which included Malawians khwasu khwasu, childrens play ground and disco throughout the warm Saturday afternoon.

Malawians in England travelled from all over to celebrate their national day.

Meanwhile, Malawi Association UK has said it’s chapter in Manchester, has prepared another  local gathering on July 18 to continue with the celebrations.

Malawian born hip-hop artist now an Ireland citizen, Ibrahim Haji, popularly known by his stage name Pop Dogg  is set to shoot the video for his single Malawi Moto, starting early next month taken from his second studio album Enter The Ninja.

,Malawi singers Popp Dogg and Hazel Mak

Enter The Ninja released in December 2014 is currently available on major online music retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Google Play.

Disclosing the concept of the video, the rapper said, ’’ I felt the need to shoot the video, the song has a very positive message for all Malawians worldwide. Besides being partially based on my personal life experience, the video is entertaining, enlightening and talks of positive stand about our home country, Malawi. ’’

Pop Dogg said r he music video will be directed by Dublin based acclaimed music and film director, Joe Chad, who has previously directed the artist’s music videos such as Am A Champand Like That.

’’I am in talks with Joe Chad, we want to bring the best music video that is going to top my previous videos. We want to raise the bar high. We are using a latest equipment and the outcome will definitely be beyond your imagination. The shooting will begin early August 2015 in Dublin.’’ Pop Dogg, said.

Commenting on Malawian music videos the artist said: ’’It is great to see that Malawian music videos are improving and young talented music directors, are emerging. However there is so much to learn from international video directors and the lack of better equipment is affecting our industry.’’

Pop Dogg also disclosed that he is writing new songs for his next studio album due next year, 2016.The artist’s latest album, Enter The Ninja is also available for free download on Malawi’s online music site, [Malawi-Music.com].

On Friday, 17 July 2015, Pop Dogg will be performing in Dublin, Ireland at Voodoo Lounge alongside Brooklyn rapper Afu-Ra, and top Irish HipHop artists, Rob Kelly, TeraWritz and Jonny Darko.

Blantyre-based gospel artists will this Sunday unite in a concert at Robins Park to raise funds for underprivileged school-going children.

Artists have a responsibility – Namadingo

“Nurture a Child, Nourish the Nation Concert” is an event that has attracted an excellent line-up ofperformers among them Estiner Katengeza,David Kalilani, Patience Namadingo, JewCha, Masomphenya, Unique One, DJ Kali, K Mo, Rhema and J Josh.

Apart from the music artists, there will also be spoken word acts of Muyanga, Sharon and Jedediah.

The concert is an initiative by Ray of Hope Ministries, an organisation founded by young people in Chilomoni Township and responds to several education challenges faced by disadvantaged children in the area.

“There are many challenges facing school-going children such as overcrowding, absenteeism, shortage of food in their homes and lack of school fees in secondary school.

“We have after-school programs, feeding programs, library services and sponsorship programs paying fees for needy secondary school children,” explained Willie Mpasuka of Rays of Hope.

According to Mpasuka, the group serves 500 children in their after-school program, feeds 60 children four days a week, has 20 learners on secondary school bursaries and reaches out to 100 learners every day with remedial lessons.

“We would like to raise funds for us to meet our current needs. We are opening another site to reach out to more pupils in Chilomoni and Likhubula. We hope the fundraiser will afford us the finances to fund this,” he disclosed.

Through the Ministry of Education, the organisation partners three primary schools in Chilomoni, namely St. James Catholic Primary School, Lumbira F.P. School and Chilomoni L.E.A. Primary School.

Musician Patience Namadingo said in an interview this week that musicians had the responsibility to give back to the communities, especially childrenwho cannot afford education.

“As gospel artists we preach love and we have to be there for our communities. If there’s a call to raise funds that will help the needy, why not answer to it. This is a very important concert,” said Namadingo. “It also drives me to be part of it seeing that the organisers are youths.”

Jew Chapomba indicated: “I am excited to be part of this concert looking at how it will change the lives of many children. Music should be meaningful and for a cause.”

Malawi’s up and comimg musician Mike Akitivi has released visuals to his song called “Christina”, which features singer-cum-producer Lulu.

Mike Akitivi-Christina

The audio, which was produced by Lulu, came out in March and the music video premiered on Monday this week.

“Christina” is an Afro-dance song about an unmarried man who is overseas where he finds the love of his life. The video was shot in Dublin, Ireland where Akitivi is based and Lilongwe.

Watch the video below:

Al Jazeera TV documentary on collaborative album involving Malawian musicians and Congolese refugees is expected to be shown for the first time Aljazeera’s Witness programme on Sunday.

The music documentary

Aljazeera’s Africa publicts, Kevin Kriedemann and Joy Sapieka said in a statement made available to Nyasa Times that the documentary tells the inspiring story of Trésor Nzengu Mpauni (aka Menes), who successfully crowd-funded a collaborative album between leading Malawian musicians and Congolese refugees – all from a refugee camp in Malawi where the 20 000 inhabitants aren’t legally allowed to work, or even to leave the camp without permission.

“Trésor lives in Malawi’s Dzaleka Refugee Camp, which has grown from a collection of tents in 1994 into a big village, but still depends on monthly food deliveries from the World Food Programme to survive,” reads the statement in part.

The statement further says like 500 000 other refugees around the world and most of the people at Dzaleka, Trésor fled the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As an up-and-coming musician and slam poet there, he became a victim of repeated attacks after performing a poem that spoke of the political situation in the country at that time, “of being dominated by war, by dictatorship.”

University-educated and relatively privileged for most of his life, Trésor initially struggled to adapt to life in Dzaleka, until he discovered the camp was home to a wealth of musical talent, and even someone who made guitars.

Determined that the skills within Dzaleka should not be wasted, Trésor approached Malawian artists, including hip hop star Third Eye, to collaborate on an album with the refugees, with the aim of fighting against xenophobia and challenging stereotypes through the music.

Directed by South African Neil Shaw, Trésor and the Camp Musicians is a remarkable testimony to the power of the internet to uplift communities, and of how global platforms like Indiegogo and iTunes are creating new opportunities for artists in Africa.

But it’s also a reminder of the power of music, to heal and to unite.

Kano, the refugee guitarist on the album, fled the DRC after his parents were killed.

As he says in the film. “When I sing, it helps me forget what happened in my country. This music gives me something beautiful, refreshes me, and makes me feel human.”

Tresor and the Camp Musicians premieres at 23:30 Central African Time (CAT) on Witness, Al Jazeera’s observational documentary strand, with additional screenings at the following times (all CAT): Monday 20 July at 1030; Tuesday 21 at 0430; Wednesday at 1730 and Thursday at 0630.

 Here is the link to the promo: https://www.facebook.com/AJWitness/videos/10155791668655557/. 

This year’s Sand Music Festival which is to take place at Sunbird Livingstone Beach in Salima district is expected to cost the organisers about K30 million.

Sunbird Public Relations Officer Akossa Mphepo said her office will ensure food is affordable so that every patron can access them

The organisers, Impact Events have revealed the festival, in its sixth year running, will be held end of October to avoid clashing with other festivals.

Impact Events has been managing the festival with sponsorship from Sunbird Tourism Limited.

Festival Chief-Coordinator, Mazz disclosed on Thursday that this year’s event will incoporate comedy as new category to the  formatted style of back to back  performances by local and international artists.

”The event is set for another epic three days of music and outdoor play from October 30th to November 1st, 2015. And we are promising to give people value for money as they enjoy life at the beautiful beach of Livingstonia in Salima,” said Mazz.

He said the event will this year accommodate Small-Scale Entreprises who would like to use the festival as a platform to grow their businesses.

And Festival Coordinator NKhwachi Mhango said the list of international and local artists to perform at the festival will be
released soon.

”We dont want the event to be attached to any artists, this is why this year we are marketing it without attaching any international artist to it. Based on past challenges we experienced with international artists, we have decided to market the festival as an event,” said Mhango.

Sunbird Tourism Public Relations Manager, Akosa Mphepo promised to provide enough security during the event.

Mphepo said they are using the festival as one  way of promoting Malawian tourism and culture.

If you know not of the talent that lives in Thocco Phiri’s territory, well you are not too late. Your nearest is your dearest, we have what you want to hear with us.

Thoko Phiri

One of Malawi’s finest gospel artist , Thocco has just dropped a new hit single on the table to be consumed with the tittle ‘Mukhale Nane’.

Phiri admits not to be only a song writer and singer, but also a season editor for Shepherd Bushiri’s Prophetic Channel and sometimes he take the role of Floor Manager during the live services shooting sessions which he describes as something that puts his creativity to test.

He explains the song ‘Mukhale Nane’ as a song that is looking at the presence of Jesus in one’s life as people do not realize that Jesus is needed in their everyday involvement be it at school, workplace, ministry and family.

The Christ singer adds that he has set free the song for two things in his mind. He told Malawi Zoom:

“The first reason why I have cooked this song is to emphasize the importance of Jesus in one’s life and second is to declare our lives as a Property of Jesus hence in
the chorus which tells Jesus to be available for us all the time.

Thocco said singing is his passion and him as a gospel singer, it all came to Him as a calling as he believes God called him because he is driven by his word to sing.

He has one album so far in his account ‘Yesu ndi Ambuye’ which was launched some year back.

”My music future is bright I am under the heavy annointing of Prophet Bushiri, the man who continues to mentor me”, elaborates Thocco.

Inspired by Deitrick Haddon, Tyshan Knight and Wambali Mkandawire, Godly Phiri confesses to be kept in the gospel flatternity and puts on the cap on them as his music icons.

Thocco has also collaborated with other musians like Christ Melodies in Ndimvereni, Piksy in Wochimwa and Atumwi in Zatheka.—Source : Malawi Zoom

Malawi singers should up their game as they were not even recognised in the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) held in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Saturday night.

Diamond seen on the red carpet at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards. (Anesh Debiky, Galllo Images)

Since the awards were introduced seven years ago, no Malawian has ever been nominated. It was for Channel O Music Awards that Tay Grin was nominated in 2007 and 2008 for Best Male, Best Southern Africa Video and Best Hip Hop Video.

The awards were introduced in 2008 to celebrate contemporary music and honour creativity on the African continent. This year’s awards were held for the fifth time to mark the tenth anniversary of MTV Base Africa.

Full list of winners

Best Female -Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Male -Davido (Nigeria)
Best Group- P-Square (Nigeria)
Best Collaboration -AKA, Burna Boy, Da Les and JR on “All Eyes On Me”
Song Of The Year- Dorobucci by Mavins (Nigeria) Best Hip Hop – Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) Best New act – Patoranking (Nigeria) Best Live  -Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) Video Of The Year – Nafukwa Best Pop and Alternative – Jeremy Loops (South Africa) Best Francophone – DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast) Best Lusophone – Ary (Angola) Personality Of The Year – Trevor Noah (South Africa) MAMA Evolution – D’Banj (Nigeria) Best International – Nicki Minaj Artiste Of The Decade – P-Square MTV Base Leadership

Two of Malawi’s finest music legends launch their respective albums a day apart this weekend.

Lucius Banda -Thank You

Wambali: Back with new album

After 30 years entertaining Malawians, Lucius Banda launches his 18th album Thank You at Robin’s Park in Blantyre on Friday night.

Having started performing in 1985, ‘Soldier’ as he is fondly called, celebrates three decades of pure and unstoppable art as well as entertainment with an album titled Thank You, dedication to his fans and God for the support over the years.

He is one of the few artists in Malawi who over the years have left an indelible legacy and he is the epitome of what music is.

The album, produced by South Africa’s Thato Mampe, has 14 songs. Three singles released so far have received a good response, according to the artist.

“The album brings in a different me. So far the single that I have released are doing very well. There are songs Ndililabe, a gospel but classical song for those who are down for spiritual while Sagona focuses on the youths’ penchant drive for high class stuff. And then there is collaboration with award winning artist Lawi called Nthungululu which is a wedding song,” he said.

The launch takes place on Friday July 24 at the Robin’s Park in Blantyre where the legend will share the stage with Nepman, Limbani Banda, Thoko Katimba, Black Missionaries and Lulu.

At Wakawaka in Lilongwe the following day, Soldier will be joined by the Soul Raiders, Skeffa Chimoto and Allan Ngumuya.

“Half of the tracks on the album are in fact gospel songs. Patrons will receive a free CD upon entrance,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wambali Mkandawire launches his latest album Calabrash Breath on Saturday at the Bingu International Conference Center (BICC) auditorium.

Calabrash Breath is Wambali’s the ninth album.

Wambali has, over the years, released timeless music that has earned him numerous awards and nominations including the Bingu Presidential Award in 2011, Kora Award Nomination for Best Southern African Artist in 2003, Mobo Award Nomination for Best African Artist in 2007 and the South African Music Award (Sama) for Best African Artiste – 2003.

“People should expect to experience the beginning of a new era of jazz in Malawi,” says Wambali.

Calabrash Breath is unique as it is pure jazz unlike his previous releases.

Wambali’s journey in music dates back to when he was eight years old while growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where he was born.

With influences from his grandmother and mother’s Tumbuka hymns and fables, his grandfather’s gramophone with played music contemporary Congolese music to his uncle who introduced him to South African jazz and music in general, his musical background is rich in diversity.

His first album Tidzamutamanda was released in 1989 and Liberty in 2011.

Backed up by a diverse rich band featuring a Congolese bassist, a Zambian lead guitarist, two Malawians on the keyboards and drums with himself an acoustic guitarist, the evening is set to be a night of beautiful music by talented musicians.

Tickets are available at Wilderness Safaris, Ulendo, Four Seasons Garden Shop, Crossroads Hotel Business Centre, Papaya, Cappuccino’s, Flavour’s, Golf Club, La Dolce Vita, AC Opticals.

Ticket holders will receive a free CD of the Calabrash Breath album.

No Malawian artist has been nominated for this year’s African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), announced Monday, July 20.

The award ceremony will be co-hosted by Africa’s celebrated comedians Basketmouth and Anne Kansiime.

AFRIMMA celebrates African music and heritage, and the second edition of the annual awards is set to take place on October 10 in Dallas, USA.

This comes after Malawi also missed out on the recent MTV Africa Music Awards (Mamas), held last Saturday in South Africa.

In the 2015 AFRIMMAs, which has 28 categories comprising eight artists each, Malawi is the only country seemingly missing from the list in this part of Africa where neighbouring nations Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia have been nominated.

Other SADC countries on the list are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, with notable nominees including Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Zeus, Cleo Ice Queen, Toya Delazy, Slap Dee, The Dogg, Lizha James, Donald and Vee, among others.

Some continental male heavyweights nominated are Nigeria’s P-Square, Olamide, Flavour, Davido, Timaya and Wizkid; Ghana’s Sarkodie and Stonebwoy; Tanzania’s Diamond Platinumz and DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa.

Notable female nominees are Nigerian Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade; Ghanaian Wiyaala; Kenyan Victoria Kimani and South Africa’s Bucie.

AFRIMMA is a highly anticipated award show celebrating the beauty of African music and artistry with many of the biggest names on the African music roster already confirmed for this year’s edition which promises to be a grand occasion.

The award show will honor some of the world’s top African musical artists, producers and cultural influencers. The star studded event will attract guests from all over Africa and other cities throughout the United States as well as guests and honorees from various African countries.

Lilongwe-based singer, guitarist and dancer, Lulu, will this weekend be trekking down from the central to the south for a concert in Blantyre.

Lulu: Dates Blantyre this weekend

The “Mwachenjera Darling” singer and his Mathumela Band will be at the hub of live music in the commercial city, the Mibawa Arts Café, Saturday evening.

Both managers of the Café, Nde’feyo Entertainment, and the musician, confirmed of the gig scheduled to start at 8pm.

“Yes we’re excited to confirm Lulu will be with us this Saturday at Mibawa and we look forward to having this exciting act, who’s not only amazing vocally but stage-wise as well,” said Nde’feyo Entertainment’s Khumbo Munthali.

In an interview from Lilongwe on Thursday, Lulu said he couldn’t wait to reconnect with his Blantyre fans, who he said are his “family number two”.

“It’s been a while since I last performed at Mibawa. I can’t wait to be there. Blantyre is my second home and the fans have always been remarkable,” he said. “I always expect epic shows whenever am coming down there,” said Lulu.

Lulu, one of the local artists billed to headline this year’s Lake of Stars music festival in Mangochi end September, last performed at Mibawa Café mid last year and will date the venue for the first time since Nde’feyo took over management of events at the place.

The show is pegged at K2,500 at the door.

Malawi Association UK (MAUK) an umbrella body for all diaspora Malawians and ‘friends of Malawi’ in UK will on August 1, 2015 hold an Extra-ordinary Annual General Meeting (EAGM) in Derby to take stock of the year and plan for next year’s activities.

Pofera: All roads leads to Derby August 1

MAUK said all Malawians in UK are invited to take part in the meeting.

Secretary general of MAUK Stepheson Mbewe said on the day  Malawi Derby Association, a grouping of Malawians living in Derbyshire, will be officially launching their newly born association  in conjunction with the mother body, Malawi Association UK, at Shaftesbury Conference Centre DE 23 8 LW.

Interim chairman for Malawi Derby Association, Pofera Msaya said Malawians in Derby are pleased to host the Malawi Association UK extra ordinary General meeting.

“We feel honoured as a newly formed association to host MAUK’s extra-ordinary annual general meeting. We appreciate the recognition that we have been given and we are up to the task,” said Msaya.

Added Msaya: “We promise Malawians in the UK that they will have a memorable time in Derby on this day because we have lined up lots of goodies to entertain the patrons to the very core.”

According to the programme released by MAUK, the launch will be marked by sporting activities and barbecue starting from 10:00 to 15:00 then MAUK Extra ordinary General meeting from 17:00 to 19:30 to be led by chairman Martin Guga and the evening will commence with a dinner dance at 8 pm.

The entry fee to the dinner dance is £15.00 per person and tickets are now on sale.

“This event will provide a platform for Malawians and people from all walks of life to meet and network. It will be a day full of pomp and a night to remember as the patrons are expected to dine and wine and dance the night away with grandeur and spectacle,” Msaya said.

“For us in Derby the celebration on this day will be three-fold. Celebrating Malawi’s 51 years of independence, launching our association and hosting MAUK for their extra-ordinary annual general meeting. It’s gonna be epic,” explained Msaya.

He said the population of Malawians in Derbyshire is growing and there is need for a platform to celebrate Malawian culture and heritage within a multi-diverse Derby community.

One of the organisers of the event, Amosi Phiri of Radio 247 Malawi said event will be broadcast live on their online streaming radio.

“Events of this nature provide the business community an opportunity to advertise their products and services effectively,” adding that those Malawians with businesses to showcase on the day should contact organisers.

Derby Malawi Association has been was established with an aim to solely help Malawians in Derby and surrounding areas fully integrate and participate in the social economic activities in Derbyshire is non – profit making organisation with a current membership of well over 80 families.

On the other hand, Malawi Association UK as an umbrella body for all Malawians and friends of Malawi in the UK offers a great sense of oneness, togetherness, community and network for Diaspora Malawian nationals as well as friends of Malawi living in the UK.

Malawi Association UK exist to benefit its members of the public who are Malawian or of Malawian descent customarily  by offering a sense of community and promoting cohesion, cooperation and networking among Malawians and friends of Malawi living in the United Kingdom.

MAUK among other things facilitates access to information on personal development opportunities for the Malawian community in the United Kingdom and also provides advice, guidance and support to members where possible while at the same time fosters closer cooperation and collaboration with organisations and friends of Malawi working to promote the interests of Malawians.

“MAUK is a focal point of connection, inclusiveness, support and advancement in all spheres of life and MAUK works in partnership with several regional Malawian associations across the UK. We directly work coherently with the Malawi government and the Malawi High Commission in London for the betterment of the Malawian people both in diaspora and at home in Malawi,” said MAUK vice chairman-designate Thom Chiumia.

MAUK also organise or facilitate events, recreational or otherwise with a view to promoting a positive image of Malawi and oftentimes identify field experts who can offer advice on wide ranging matters providing guidance on general welfare issues affecting Malawians in the United Kingdom.-Additional reporting by Peter Makossah

Some came, tried but failed. People poured lots of love but money and fame played the Judas Iscariot on them. Which urban music group has remained clung together in high or low tides? That is exactly the story behind No Sleep Gang, a Blantyre-based urban music entity. The squad has already won hearts of many with their hip hop tunes, together with their mature music videos.

No Sleep Gang

No Sleep Gang

The amazing combination of nothing but talented youngsters brazes through the country’s music industry. The team was founded in 2013 by Exl, real name Collins Nelson Khulani under No Sleep Gang Inc., a label that is owned by Exl himself.

“N.S.G is a music team as well as a record label. We have Kid Fresh whose real name is Lumbani Gondwe as Executive Producer and Jimmy James as our financial manager,” Collins introduces the team. “Other members are Morality C, Slick Zikhwa, Hussle Henry, Bree, Sybo, SQ, Dayazi, Ish, Freshwun, Sasha who is our own model, Chim Arkee, Chiza and K9ne Chemicals.”

The apparently sophisticated squad has so far dropped a couple of tracks including videos which have become a darling to the local radio and television stations.

According to Collins, a manager-cum-rapper, they are working on an EP and expect to drop a nuke of a music video for They Show Love, a song that features Tsar Leo.

In a related development, the We Here fame group boss has trashed allegations that they belong to a secret society with souls sacrificed for fame.

“Well, it’s all about innovation I would say. It would be a blatant lie if I said we are connected to Satanism. What people see from us is pure hard work,” he says. “Let the haters do their game but they will be beefed back.”

The lazy teams can go to bed. We have No Sleep Gang in the arena, putting Malawi on the map. That is the message the Blantyre outfit sends to fellow rap squads.  –-Malawi Zoom

Africa’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Africa (BBA) 2015 edition, has been cancelled due to lack of sponsorship, it has been established.

Sipe

Africa Magic and Endemol – who are responsible for organising the controversial show – failed to secure sponsorship for the 2015 edition.

Multichoice Malawi and several Multichoice country offices in Africa have received a notice from MNET saying the show was off this year.

Last year’s edition, Big Brother season 9 ‘Hotshot; which Malawi had Siphelire Chitambo aka Sipe,and Mr 265 was affected by a devastating fire that swept through the entire house forcing the organizers to arrange another location while all the housemates were already in South Africa.

Sipe is one woman who always stood her ground and never allowed any other person to toy with her while in Biggie’s Hotshots’ space last year.

Malawi’s reggae power house the Black Missionaries popularly known as ‘Ma Black’ are ready to invade the capital city Lilongwe with the launch of their new album Kuyimba 10 at Lilongwe Golf Club this Sunday.

Ma Blacks

The Chileka based Band Leader Anjiru Fumulani said the new album is the best ever they have produced.

“We are very prepared for the launch, this is our special moment and I promise all the fans that the show will be very different from the rest. This is the best album so far from us, the unique thing is that we have a new producer,” said Fumulani in an interview with Nyasa Times.

For the first time, the multi-talented Chizondi Fumulani, a young brother to Anjiru has been involved in some of the songs as a lead vocalist.

The taste of Chizondi’s partially commanding voice is in songs such Mr Boss Man and High Grade.

“The surprise in this new album does not end there as we have also featured Annie Matumbi in Moyo Wanga and for the first time we have female backing vocals in four songs.

“As people used to know that in most of our songs we used to have Yanjanani Chumbu as our backing vocalist, this time around we have used a Mr Chimkango,” he said.

The group made up of vocalists Anjiru Fumulani and Yanjanani Chumbu, keyboardists Chizondi Fumulani and Gift Thugo, drummer Paul Chokani, bass guitarist Peter Amidu and lead guitarist Takudziwani Chokani faces a challenge of maintaining the standard that late Evison Matafale started.

The group has managed to remain united to this day but despite being among the top bands in the country, they still have fallen short in growing their brand.

They among others need to create a music empire and this includes investing heavily in equipment and owning their own studio. They also have to start penetrating international music festivals to sell their brand which is known all over in the country.