A group of Muslim young men based in Blantyre, known as Islamic Concern has confiscated recording equipment for young artists who were shooting a music video for their album in Blantyre in which they were referring to God as Allah.
Muslim female hip-hop duo out to change perceptions of Islam
A member of the Islamic Concern Cassim Anaffi told the www.malawimuslims website the boys were found at Plantation House in Blantyre shooting a video for their new song titled Wa Lahi and according to him, the song is not Islamic and therefore cannot allow people to abuse the name of Allah, without a clear knowledge of the meaning of the sacred names of Allah.
“I got a call from the vice chairperson of Islamic Concern that there were boys at Plantation House who were shooting a video clad in Islamic attire but what they were singing was not Islamic in nature.
“So we rushed there and asked them to stop and come with us to Quran House to explain the details of their song,” said Anaffi
Anaffi further confirmed having confiscated the materials until their parents come to Quran house to confirm that indeed their children were Muslims since they failed to even recite Surat Fateha during the interrogation.
“Our main concern is the use of the names of Allah and His Prophet,” Anaffi explained, “These names are very sacred and one cannot just start singing them anyhow.”
The artists, Chifundo Malenga 19, Alex Chimasula 16 and Yusuf Lika 19 hail from Machinjiri in the City of Blantyre. The boys said that they just use some Islamic names and arabic words which are regularly used by the religion of Islam, although they do not sing nasheed songs.
The boys however said that they are Muslims but have never attended any madressa and therefore lacks any knowledge of Islamic etiquette.
The confiscated items include a video camera, music player and clothes. They are being kept at Quran House in Blantyre.
Some of the designers for Malaiw Fashion Week[/caption]
It follows the Malawi Fashion Week which was only held in its year of inception, 2013, and has since gone into oblivion.
Their colleagues, the pioneers of fashion shows in Malawi, FAME, have resurrected after they had also gone into hibernation the same year.
“Taking a reflective year out in 2014 gave FAME team the chance to re-energize and plot something different. We’re really excited to present it to Malawi,” says FAME director Zilanie Nyundo.
FAME is currently looking for up-and-coming designers to be “the next big label” from Malawi under the theme of “Trendsetters”.
“Malawi can look forward to an exciting week filled with great fashion from the Malawi professional designers and international designers, from August 22-29.
[caption id="attachment_92351" align="alignright" width="299"]
Model Esther Ravat showcasing Lilly Alfonso’s wear at FAME 2013.[/caption]
“Malawi, like Africa as a whole is filled with creative talent, set to inspire and drive modern African into the future,” says FAME project manager, Samantha Nampuntha.
A unique showcase founded five years ago, FAME is a collaborative arts project that produces an exhibit profiling the original work of fashion designers, outlets and accessories artisans.
Representing the dynamisms of creative entrepreneurship, especially the fashion industry in the emerging African, FAME observes that Africans own their destiny.
“We will this year celebrate our evolving Africa with designs that are created for the contemporary African,” Nampuntha states.
The Fashion Week shall comprise of four elements; the emerging designers who shall compete at the “Up and Coming Designer” fashion show, The Distinguished Gentleman (an exclusive evening of menswear with international designers) and the FAME main showcase (Malawi and international designers).
The “Up and Coming Designer” event is slated for August 22 at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute and the winner will have the opportunity to showcase with the professional designers on August 28 at Ufulu Gardens Hotel.
Soul Savers[/caption]
The launch is scheduled to take place on Sunday 23 August at Sheaffer Square Gardens in the capital city.
Pastor Steve Wingolo said: “I would say this show is very special and unique in the sense that is full of anointing.
‘’I am also assuring all the people who will patronize our show that they will not regret because we will perform to the best of our ability with an aim of making our fans in Lilongwe enjoy the show. “
He said they have decided to spread the gospel through music across the country and even beyond and that they are sure many people will be transformed upon digesting messages that their songs carry.
The pastor also said their songs carry a strong message of hope and that it is a surprise package special for Gospel music followers in the country.
Supporting artists at the event include; Violet Tengani Dumba, Kamuzu Barracks Gospel Singers, Marvelous Deeds, Sir Lucius Banda, Mlaka Maliro, Peter Mlangeni and Great Angels Choir.
The performances slated to be starting from 11 O’clock in the Morning will attract an entry fee of K1000 per head and that CDs will be on sale.
Some of the songs in the album like Akudziwa, Ondilengayo Samagona tulo, Sindikwanitsa, Mutamandike and Devil Ukuchepa have already received a warm welcome and are enjoying massive air play in different local radio stations.
Lucius Banda: Way Forward with music![/caption]
Recently, Lucius Banda said he would quit music and invest in other businesses due to piracy after launching his 18th album ‘Thank You’ it was already on the market courtesy of pirates.
But speaking on Capital FM’s flagship interview program, Straight Talk on Thursday, the politician-cum- musician, said he will not quit music career despite expressing his anguish over piracy.
“I really love music. I would not let someone stop me from music career,” said Banda during the interview which Nyasa Times monitored through online streaming.
The artist did not hide his distress on social media on Tuesday, when he intercepted a copy of the pirated CDs.
“After all the work I did, here is the fake one all over the country maybe it’s time to give up?” he wrote on Facebook.
He had written that he was “considering giving up music” fearing he will get nothing from the K3 million ($6000) investment he made to have the album recorded in South Africa.
But Banda said he will soldier on in the music career, suggesting that government should introduce a levy on all gadgets that aid people to pirate any form of art like computers and flash disks.
Show in South Africa
Meanwhile, Banda has said he will have an international launch of his new album with the performance in South Africa later this month.
He is scheduled to perform at Booysen Hotel in Johannesburg, on 28th of August and the following day he will be at Marafaco.
Other shows in South Africa for Banda will be at Tijucaon on August 30 and a final concert on September 5 at Amadoda Woodstock in Cape Town.
Banda said people in South Africa should get ready to see Nepman sharing a stage with him together with Sam Simakweri and Limbani ‘Tosh’ Banda.
Thank You
Thank You is a 14-cut collection wrapped in various genres, including reggae, manganje and dancehall, among others.
The hits include Walema, Rita featuring Zambia’s MC Wabwino, My Love Will Never Fade, his signature spoken word is back in Way Forward.
Other tracks are Sagona, Tikuzifuna an Dyalilamba.
The album was recorded at Groove Magic, Mathumela Studio, Audio clinic and at Active A Records.
Lucius Banda performing in South Africa again this month[/caption]
The legendary musician told Nyasa Times that he will perform with the full Zembani Band at four shows in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
According to Banda, his fans in South Africa should expect one of the best performances ever as this will be the first time the musician travels with all the band members.
"It’s the first time we are going there as the whole band of 13 people from Malawi. Usually we take half the band and mix with others there because of that, we used to be limited on the songs to be performed but now you name it we will play it," said Banda.
On 28th August, Lucious will perform at Booysen Hotel starting from 7pm till late and patrons will pay R150 and will get a bonus of a free CD.
The performances will continue on 29th and 30th August at the Marafco (Pretoria) and Tijuca (Bruma) starting from 7pm and 13:00hrs respectively and at all venues, patrons will pay R100 per head.
The final show will be on 5th September, 2015 at the Amadoda Woodstock from 7pm-2am.
Apart from the soldier himself, the list of other artists to perform include the "Nalero" star Nepman, Sam Simakweli, Limbani Banda and South African based Don Zaggah.
"Thank you" is Banda's number 18th album and carries 13 songs including Sagona currently enjoying massive air play in various local radio stations.
Trap Squad’s Stich Fray, Revolver and Sir Patricks[/caption]
We can exclusively confirm that September 13 is the official launch of the record titled “Royal Fam”, which brings Revolver, Stich Fray, Judagaga, Chavura and Sir Patricks together.
Before the launch, all fans will be treated to a pre-launch party at the home of live music in Blantyre and Trap Squad will for the first time play with a live band, dishing out all their hit singles.
So far, the artists on the roster to grace the Hip Hop/RnB group’s show include singers Dali, Bucci, Saint and rapper Slessor
Sangie: It’s a dream come true.[/caption]
The “I Do It All For Love” singer is among six artists that have been picked to perform at the opening ceremony on Monday.
Other musicians to perform at the conference include South Africa’s Siphokazi Maraqana, Zambia’s Scarlet, Mozambican Anita Macuacua and two others from Lesotho and Seychelles.
Confirming the trip, Sangie’s manager Promise Matatiyo also disclosed that the vocalist is expected to fly to South Africa today (Friday) for a recording session.
“There are 15 artists from 15 different SADC countries who will be recording an anthem called ‘Imoshi – We Are One’ which spreads the message in protection of the ecosystem in the region.
“Out of the 15, only six will perform at the Summit and Sangie will be representing Malawi as the country’s ambassador of the ‘Imoshi’ project,” disclosed Matatiyo in an interview on Thursday.
The “Imoshi – We Are One” project is produced by Akwafrica Productions and an invitation letter further confirms: “You [Sangie] are one of those 6 artists who we delightedly found to be appropriate for Gaborone and continuing to be part of our family”.
Reacting to her invitation, Sangie, who has been in the limelight for less than a year, described it as a dream come true.
“From the start I wanted my music to go international and working with SADC artists is also a big thing not only for me but my country too,” she said. “I get to set to my fellow young girls [that] hard work pays. Being a girl is a most precious thing.”
The 20-year-old added: “Thanks to the team behind Sangie, it’s barely a year and am already going countries”.
According to the correspondence, after the recording and performance at the SADC summit, Sangie is expected to represent Malawi in many more events to follow for the next two years.
Furthermore, Akwafrica is expected to host the
Atsogo Scrafoc[/caption]
A year down the line, that prophecy in reason number two seems to be fulfilling itself. Today, a lot more have written about Gift Chilonga. No. The story is about the artist in him. He has a brand name. Like anyone else. Just that he knows he’s not American. So, his real name has survived the heat emanating from ovens of a name that’s in the process of being baked. Atsogo Scrafoc.
Scrafoc has been into Afro Beat Gospel Rap. That is how he understands his music. That is the ear everyone must borrow whenever Mukhale Nane orZonse ndi Zotheka takes over the air waves on local radio stations. Because this is how it has been in Republic of South Africa too. With Taking Me Higher and Forever. He has been performing in shows out there, with Malawians in Jo’burg craving his art. “I can say my music is doing great right here in RSA as well as back home,” says the Malawian artist, enrolled for a Bacholor’s at Dublin College.
The Taking Me Higher (10 kwa 10) star says his music has a far wider target group, mostly within the range of an age group that can comfortably be described as the youth. “My music mostly targets the youth but it has a far wider audience because these belong to different social classes yet their love to my music is indifferent.”
It is the strongest desire that Scrafoc has to avoid starving his people of motion pictures that Atsogo is releasing a video for one of his greatest hits,Taking Me Higher (10 kwa 10). “The audio was produced by Ralph Ching’amba where as the video is a product of the works of Neighbour Films,” says Scrafoc.
Atsogo Scrafoc’s rise in the music industry has acted as enough inspiration to the artist himself as well as a lot other youngsters that his Taking Me Higher track ought to symbolize his very rising. He has promised fans the video will be something else. It will raise everyone from the dust to high above the clouds, enough to let Scrafoc see airways on his pursuit for international recognition once he’s done working on the roots home.
So, today, I would very much pay whoever decides to share those Atsogo Scrafoc links again. I’m lying. Poverty won’t allow me to. I’m not Scrafoc myself, but Scrafoc is everyone’s man now. That video must come out and we spot the difference and smile as Atsogo drives past us to go perform somewhere, anywhere.
Dawa Loga: Now Lady of God[/caption]
Prophetess Dawa Loga is an associate pastor at Fountain of Hope Ministries while Prophet Vitu Kamanga serves as a senior pastor.
“Ours is a word based and prophetic ministry that will reach out to the world for God’s purpose to be fulfilled,” Prophetess Dawa Loga said in comments published in The Nation newspaper.
“We are both a living testimony looking back from where we are coming from to where we are now. We are humbled that God chose us to serve,” she remarked.
Prophetess Dawa Loga said the couple of God aim to live in “truth and purity” for the glory of God so that many can experience God’s power and grace through the church.
The Prophetess said Fountain of Hope Ministries was established to serve the poor, widows, schools, family, orphans and all those seeking God. The ministry was also into inspirational talks to young people including girls.
Dawa-Loga said her first prophecy in life came in 2010 through 2011 when she attended a Beth Moore Women’s conference in the United States of America (USA).
“That time I experienced God in a new way and my hunger to lead a women’s conference grew. I felt that only if women would connect at a spiritual level, sing together and be encouraged it would be wonderful,” said Prophetess Dawa-Loga.
According to The Nation report , Dawa Loga received her second prophecy by one of the influential speakers that she could equally influence women in her life. By then, she was active in cosmetics and fashion business as a director of Mary Kay Cosmetics in USA, where she used to train women on grooming, make up tips and how to build a business of their own.
When Prophetess Dawa-Loga returned to Malawi, she embarked on cosmetics, women clothing and tips on grooming while learning the industry. Then later she decided to host functions so that she met more people. After administering fruitful workshops with different people, the idea of Malawi Fashion Week sprung and she pioneered it.
However, it was the success story of the Malawi Fashion Week, which strengthened her ability to serving God.
Fountain of Hope Ministries is serving in four branches in Lilongwe’s Biwi, Mbabvi, Ntandile and Nkwichi Secondary School from 1pm to 4pm every Sundays. It is also beamed live on Luso TV every Saturdays from 11:30 for an hour as well as half an hour on Dziko FM every Sunday morning from 8:30am.
Prownet members at launch dinner[/caption]
The launch was presided by Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mrs Patricia Kaliati.
Prownet chairperson Mrs Rudo Nkukupa-Chakwera, said the network aims at bringing women together so that they socialise and share ideas on various socio-economic challenges.
“We are doing this to make sure that girls remain in school so that they take up senior positions in future and also get empowered to fight for their rights,” said Nkukupa-Chakwera.
The network started as a social group on Facebook but due to increased demand for interaction, a secretariat was established and eventually got registered in January this year.
Ma Blacks[/caption]
The album, yet to be launched in the busiest city of the northern region, among others comprises such songs as Tizingocheza, Sikwathu and Sindingakwanitse which are already enjoying sexy airplay on most radio stations.
The Black Missionaries, popularly known as Ma ‘Blacks will launch the album in the northern region on 
Thindwa: On MTV[/caption]
Test signal started on July 9 this year, according to Laphy Nasungwi, the company's Technical Director.
"We are purely entertainment and sports. It’s a station for everyone. In the near future, MTV sports shall cover live local leagues (football) as no one does it," Nasungwi.
They have since engaged former MBC TV sports analyst Saulos Thindwa as their sports pundit.
"The station will offer much of entertainment and sports programmes and other interesting and other must watch documentaries.
"We are also planning to have special channel that would be branded MTV sports," he explained.
Nasungwi further said they will ensure that the television station identifies itself with programmes that will be highlighting the way of life in society in terms of culture, beliefs, art and language, among others.
MTV is on GoTV 816 and Malawi Digital Broadcasting Network (MDBN) 113.
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) licensed the company to provide private television broadcasting services for a period of seven years commencing on July 31 2015 and ending on July 30 2022 and can always be renewed.
Jovial Malawi Queesn players[/caption]
Though they finished sixth at the Sydney netball tournament, the Queens were splendid and were rated the most exciting team to watch, with star shooter Mwawi Kumwenda crowned player of the tournament.
“All proceeds will go to the team,” he disclosed.
The event has been dubbed “Malawi Queens ."
Welcome Back Show” and will feature music performances by Piksy, Blakjak and Trumel, with FM 101’s DJ Bobby Jeff on the ones and twos.
Malawi Queens arrived to a heroines welcome in Lilongwe on Tuesday where they were met by the country’s First Lady, Gertrude Mutharika; Minister of Youth & Sports, Grace Chiumia; sponsors Airtel Malawi officials and netball fans.
A group of fans also donated a cheque worth K2.7 million to the team. The money was raised through pledges made via Facebook and WhatsApp.
While indicating he couldn’t say how much they anticipate raising, Munthali said: “We hope to raise a lot because people are not just restricted to the entrance fee; we will have a special box for donations”.
The show is pegged at K1,500 for men and K1,000 women. It is slated to start at 8pm.
