![Rev Chimweme Mhango]()
Malawi’s gospel music landlord, songster and preacher man, Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango best known for singing the Lord and shepherding lost souls back to God’s kingdom, this time he has sang his heart out for the country’s netball team popularly known as a Malawi Queens.
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![Rev Chimweme Mhango]()
Rev Chimweme Mhango[/caption]
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![Jovial Malawi Queesn players]()
Jovial Malawi Queesn players[/caption]
Reverend Mhango paid a befitting tribute to the Malawi Queens with a danceable mantra titled 'Sendelera ma Queens' in which he applauds all the national netball team players and the coaches, Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa and her vice Mary Waya for their relentless commitment, dedication and hard work . He also a congratulates them for hoisting the Malawi flag higher and putting the country on the world map.
In the song, which is fused between Malawian various traditional beats and afro-pop is ably produced by one of Malawi's celebrated music kingpin Joseph Tembo, features Zodiak’s fully-fledged soft-voiced sports commentator, Mike Bango who gives the song an apposite and genuine sports feel with his effervescent and energetic commentating skills.
The song is really an ear-pleasing and heart-touching piece of art and overall a befitting tribute to deserving achievers, a talented lot of a generation and the ultimate pride of the Malawi nation and her people as well as Africa and the rest of the world.
The tune is by any standard, a dance floor filler. One that cannot be ignored by any right thinking individual, more or so, it is a song about ordinary girls with extraordinary talent for a country that desperately needs hard working citizens to sell its name, the 'Warm Heart of Africa,' to the world, as a beautiful tourist destination
Speaking in a telephone interview Reverend Mhango told
Nyasa Times that he has always been pleased with the Malawi Netball Queens who put up everything into their game to be among the best in the world.
“Malawi Queens are the pride of our nation and as a proud Malawian I thought I could do something in appreciating the people who do not only make Malawians but also put our country on the world map. Netball is one of the best things we do better,” said Reverend Mhango.
Reverend Mhango appealed to all Malawians to give support and encouragement to the Malawi Queens saying the girls are doing a fantastic job in representing our country on a world stage.
“Our girls are the best in Africa and are proving to be a force to reckon with on the world netball stage and if given the necessary support, they can do much better and can become the world’s number one,” he said.
Said Mhango: “It is every Malawian’s responsibility to give support to our formidable Queens as they are t he only team in any sports that give us pride as a nation. They put our flag on the map but I must emphasize that as citizens we must not leave it all alone for government to support the queens, we as citizens, we have a collective responsibility to give support to the queens and even in making sure that we sustain and maintain our status-quo as a great net-balling country for the many years to come.”
A group of Malawians led by a private practice and corporate lawyer Hlupi Phiri-Chalamba raised close to K3 million for the Malawi Queens in just two days prior to the team returning home after putting up a gallant fight at the netball world cup.
The group gave the team which is ranked 6
th in the world a hearty welcome back home.
“It is time we embrace our Malawi netball Queens for are our only source of our international pride. We must invest heavily in netball in order that create more Mwawi Kumwenda’s, more Carolyn Mtukule’s, more Towera Vinkhumbo’s more Sindi Simtowe’s, more Mary Waya’s and more Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa’s for the future. Let’s support them shine more and more,” said Reverend Mhango.
Ngumuya[/caption]
Ngumuya, with 15 albums to his credit, told Nyasa Times that show take place at Umodzi Park in the capital city Lilongwe on 13 September, 2015 starting from 1 PM.
The singer-cum-parliamentarian said during the show he will play 30 songs as one way of celebrating 30 years since his first album, Chikondi in 1985.
"This event is one way of saying thank you to my fans who have been with me on this journey," said Ngumuya
Currently he has teamed up with Mingoli Band formerly called Mibawa Band of Blantyre.
Ngumuya has also roped in Kwathu Drama Group to spice up the event which is dubbed 30-30.
Other supporting artists such as Faith Mussa, Piksy and Eliza Phiri have been included.
During the event Ngumuya will also launch his 16th album, Osankhidwa.
Some of his albums include Kweza maso, Misonzi, Umkonde, Tidzikumbukila, 202.
From Lilongwe, Ngumuya will perform in Zomba and Blantyre and Dwangwa .
Nyanga:
Band Manager, Maliro fourth from left in white jacket and Mizu Band[/caption]
The Blantyre based seven-piece electrifying music group will this Saturday 29th August 2015 from 9:00 pm prompt until late, set Chameleon on fire and take the inferno head on to the stage with a thrilling and subsist concert showcase at Lilongwe’s entertainment Mecca, Chameleon situated between Area 11 and 12 by public demand after a long break.
The cover charge for entry to the mega music showcase is MK2, 000 only but according to the band, the fun will be priceless.
Speaking in an interview with Nyasa Times, Mizu Band manager and one of Malawi’s finest stage actors, former Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre Group artiste and founding member, Emmanuel Maliro, said the band is poised to give music lovers in the capital city ‘a good time and a night to remember.’
Maliro explained that Mizu Band is currently in its plush and deluxe form and one of the best live performing bands in the country saying anybody who attends the band’s show never complains as the band always gives out the best to its clientele – their fans.
“We are going to Lilongwe after a long time by public demand. The last time we played in Lilongwe we gave out the best to our fans and all the music lovers but this time it is going to be epic,” Maliro said.
“The music quality will be up and beyond the limit. There will be fireworks. This is not a gimmick, it is a promise. It is the truth. We are ready to let roll the good times for our fans and music lovers in general,” said Maliro eloquently as if he had had been rehearsing the lines from a Du Chisiza Jr - intelligently written script.
“Lilongwe will be set ablaze with music fireworks. The music inferno will be massive and uncontrollable. We implore everybody to come and witness history being made. Come in large numbers. We are ready to conquer the capital. We will take over,” declared Maliro. “You snooze, you lose. We, Mizu Band speak only the language that everybody understands – music!”
Rev Chimweme Mhango[/caption]
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Jovial Malawi Queesn players[/caption]
Reverend Mhango paid a befitting tribute to the Malawi Queens with a danceable mantra titled 'Sendelera ma Queens' in which he applauds all the national netball team players and the coaches, Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa and her vice Mary Waya for their relentless commitment, dedication and hard work . He also a congratulates them for hoisting the Malawi flag higher and putting the country on the world map.
In the song, which is fused between Malawian various traditional beats and afro-pop is ably produced by one of Malawi's celebrated music kingpin Joseph Tembo, features Zodiak’s fully-fledged soft-voiced sports commentator, Mike Bango who gives the song an apposite and genuine sports feel with his effervescent and energetic commentating skills.
The song is really an ear-pleasing and heart-touching piece of art and overall a befitting tribute to deserving achievers, a talented lot of a generation and the ultimate pride of the Malawi nation and her people as well as Africa and the rest of the world.
The tune is by any standard, a dance floor filler. One that cannot be ignored by any right thinking individual, more or so, it is a song about ordinary girls with extraordinary talent for a country that desperately needs hard working citizens to sell its name, the 'Warm Heart of Africa,' to the world, as a beautiful tourist destination
Speaking in a telephone interview Reverend Mhango told Nyasa Times that he has always been pleased with the Malawi Netball Queens who put up everything into their game to be among the best in the world.
“Malawi Queens are the pride of our nation and as a proud Malawian I thought I could do something in appreciating the people who do not only make Malawians but also put our country on the world map. Netball is one of the best things we do better,” said Reverend Mhango.
Reverend Mhango appealed to all Malawians to give support and encouragement to the Malawi Queens saying the girls are doing a fantastic job in representing our country on a world stage.
“Our girls are the best in Africa and are proving to be a force to reckon with on the world netball stage and if given the necessary support, they can do much better and can become the world’s number one,” he said.
Said Mhango: “It is every Malawian’s responsibility to give support to our formidable Queens as they are t he only team in any sports that give us pride as a nation. They put our flag on the map but I must emphasize that as citizens we must not leave it all alone for government to support the queens, we as citizens, we have a collective responsibility to give support to the queens and even in making sure that we sustain and maintain our status-quo as a great net-balling country for the many years to come.”
A group of Malawians led by a private practice and corporate lawyer Hlupi Phiri-Chalamba raised close to K3 million for the Malawi Queens in just two days prior to the team returning home after putting up a gallant fight at the netball world cup.
The group gave the team which is ranked 6th in the world a hearty welcome back home.
“It is time we embrace our Malawi netball Queens for are our only source of our international pride. We must invest heavily in netball in order that create more Mwawi Kumwenda’s, more Carolyn Mtukule’s, more Towera Vinkhumbo’s more Sindi Simtowe’s, more Mary Waya’s and more Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa’s for the future. Let’s support them shine more and more,” said Reverend Mhango.
Head of Personal and Business Banking Margaret-Kubwalo Chaika said the curtain raiser is one of the activities the bank has lined up in the count-down to the main concert in October.
“We would like to keep our promise to entertain our customers during this summer when music g is the perfect tonic for relaxing on a weekend or after a busy business week.
“ So ahead of the main concert to feature an international artist, we would like to warm the stage with local artists Nesnes and Eunice Kadzuwa who is the key vocalist on Mizu Band,” she said.
She said the involvement of local artists ahead and during the Blue Mingoli show is in line with Standard Bank’s goal to promote the Malawi music industry while exposing it to the international standards offered by guest artists under Blue Mingoli.
“We are using an existing platform to promote local artists. As many patrons are aware, the Chameleon, which is a part of the Four Seasons Gardens hosts jazz performances every Sunday so we would like to occupy that space with the blue sound of music as we prepare for October,” Margaret said.
The Head of PBB said the Sunday jazz will attract the bank’s invited customers and other music lovers.
She added that Standard Bank would like to take this opportunity to update customers and the general public on the upcoming Blue Mingoli Concert on October 24.
This year’s inaugural Blue Mingoli concert will take place at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC).
Izeki (right) and Jacob skit-..Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
Manganya, who visited Izeki at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre where he is hospitalised, said he was happy to see his fellow comedian responding well to treatment.
“Those people who have been spreading rumours that Izeki is dead are satanic,” said Manganya.
Izeki , a colossus of a comedian together with Eric Mabedi, popularly known as Jakobo in two-man skit - Izeki and Jakobo – said he is recovering from a bout of tuberculosis.
Hundreds of well-wishers have been visiting and having a vigil at his hospital bed in Ward 3 A
Manganya stressed that speading false news about someone’s death is work.“satanic”
Izeki is founder of the Ndirande-based Synagogue for Hope where he is popularly known as Prophet Z.
Izeki also works with Joy FM as a presenter of Kalibu programme and his signing off words are: wakufa sadziwika (Nobody knows who bites the dust first”).
Malawi's urba musician Barry One poses with a Carslberg Chill model ....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
Two singles-- Wandichosa and Tingololerana in which he features Nepman and Kevin Sings and Angie, respectively are already out and are since enjoying air time in most radio stations.
"I want to reach out to my fans through this pre-launch show and accord an opportunity to listen and appreciate the some of the songs before the official launch in October.
"They should foretaste the album before it hits the market and this will also help us identify areas needing some panel beating," BarryOne, a pioneer of hip hop in the country.
He released his first album 'Tionana' in 2006, followed by 'Legendary' in 2010 while 'Footprint' album was released in 2013.
The artist has also worked with several hip hop groups including the Daredevils and the Basement.
Songs that brought him to stardom include 'Akubwera', 'Ulendo', 'Chikondi chathu', 'Automatic', 'Pokopoko and Kapilire, among others.
"The saturday show is a preview but promises nothing but great performances and more importantly CDs of the album will be available for sale.
"The fourth album is be one of my greatest works and is lyrically powerful. And the music is so appealing to all classes of people," said BarryOne, a Blantyre based artist.
The album has been produced by Percy 'Propee' Manyozo of Pro Pee records.
Recently, Barry One attracted media attention when he hinted that he would quit music career after releasing his fourth album.
He therefore told local media that he would do a classic thing that would subsequently leave an indelible mark in the country's history of hip hop.
Sangie[/caption]
The artist was in the two countries on a project called “Imoshi – We Are One”, recording a song with 14 other African artists in Johannesburg as well as performing at the opening of the 35th Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government in Gaborone.
Some of the renowned artists she recorded and performed with included South Africa’s Siphokazi Maraqana, Zambia’s Scarlet and Mozambican Anita Macuacua.
“It was quite an experience meeting different people from different places and understanding each other. I got to introduce myself as an artist on the international level,” said the 20-year-old vocalist in an interview.
“Everyone I met was so excited hearing my music and wanted more, which simply means I can go anywhere with my music and language isn’t a barrier. They got to know Sangie as a reggae-dancehall artist from Malawi,” she added.
While indicating she was very close to the South African Afro-Soul artist Siphokazi, Sangie said she drew a lot of lessons from the veteran 38-year-old award-winning singer.
“She taught me that being young and female shouldn’t be a reason enough for people to use you,” explained Sangie as she disclosed she was the youngest among the group.
The “I Do It All For Love” and “Ndangozizidwa” singer further revealed that meeting a lot of music gurus during the trip had taught her how to manage her personal life without affecting her career.
Sangie said there was something that Malawian artists and industry professionals lack, which they could borrow from their foreign counterparts.
“They [artists] never allow to be intimidated by their record labels or managers. Artists are always artists and managers do their jobs right, behave in a proper way and if there are problems or misunderstandings, things are sorted professionally with respect,” she stated.
Sangie has been endorsed as the Malawian ambassador for the ‘Imoshi – We Are One’ project which spreads the message in protection of the ecosystem in the SADC region.
She is expected to work with producers Akwafrica Productions for the next 24 months within which she will be joining the rest of the 14 artists from the other 14 SADC countries to record an “Imoshi” album.
Basketmouth[/caption]
The 36-year-old Lagos comedian, who is popular for his “There are two things involved” masterpiece, will perform in the country courtesy of Qoncept Creative.
Confirming the news, media and publicity consultant at Qoncept Creative, Norah Chavula, said Basketmouth is scheduled to stage his show in Malawi on 5th December.
However, she said a venue was yet to be confirmed.
Said Chavula: “We will confirm the venue, but definitely [the show will be] in Lilongwe.”
Apart from UK-based Malawian comedian Daliso Chaponda, Qoncept Creative has also hosted top Ugandan female comic Anne Kansiime at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC), where most of its events are held.
Last Saturday, the Lilongwe-based firm hosted South Africa’s legendary music group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Malawi’s Joyful Soul at the same venue. It is very likely that Basketmouth’s show will be at the BICC.
But Chavula said more details will be made available “soon
Basketmouth is referred to as Nigeria’s most popular and loved comedian for his comedy skills and is quite known by many in Africa and many parts of the world.
Also a musician, he has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like the “Basketmouth Uncensored” across the globe.
Vasco Madhlopa -- Pic by Pius Nyondo, Nyasa Time[/caption]
The network, which last week hosted the 2015 achievers awards in the capital Lilongwe where a number of people including vice president Saulos Chilima were decorated, said the first issue would be published on October 1.
YNA executive director Vasco Madhlopa said the magazine would give “chance” for young people in the country and beyond to showcase their prowess and tell their lives’ success stories.
Madhlopa said “it was time for the youth, who form more than 65 percent of the country’s population, to take a leading role in propelling Malawi forward.”
Most of the people to be featured in the magazine are those that were awarded last week. They include netball star Mwawi Kumwenda, Nation Publications Limited (NPL) CEO Mbumba Banda and celebrated reggae band the Black Missionaries.
YNA is a pan African youth grouping that aims at connecting youths across Africa, creating jobs and opportunities through projects in which they award achievers as well as making business and school loans accessible to deserving but needy young people.
Kalawe in Dzuka Malawi music video[/caption]
Directed by Sukez of HD Plus Creations, the video is indisputably one of the best productions on the local scene thus far, creativity and picture quality combined.
Sources at the government-controlled TV station said producers were ordered to stop playing the video because “the message was very strong and sensitive to government”.
‘Dzuka Malawi’ came out on 19 August and was first played on MBCtv on 23 August, but went off air in less than a week.
The song, produced by Janta and features Ennoh, tackles social, economic and political issues facing the country and the people of Malawi.
In the first verse Kalawe raps:
…ndaona street kid alipakona, akhozakupangidwa adopted, koma Malawi akudikira Madonna Mesa Kamuzuamkati kwacha, bwanjiaMalawiambiriakanagona
Dzuka Malawi dzuka, kwazaka 50 wakhalaukugona
Kungopandakudzukaupeza TZ yalandanyanja
Don’t legalise homosexuals, amunasangamangebanja
Enoh appears on the chorus and with his captivating voice he sings:
Dzuka Malawi iwedzuka, lijandikaleunanayambakugona
Dzuka Malawi iwedzukaakulemerandiobwelataona
Dzuka Malawi iwedzukatimangedzikotonsepamoza
Dzuka Malawi iwedzuka (dzuka Malawi iwedzuka)
The lyrics also talk about the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha, the issue of Federal Republic and further questions what happened to the investigations on the death of EvisonMatafale, the KayelekeraUranium Mine deal and poor tobacco prices, among other contentious matters.
While confirming he had received communication from on the ban imposed on his video, the Lilongwe-based artist, full name Francis Kalawe, said he was disturbed as he was misinterpreted.
“It’s a song which is all about facts. I meant well and I thought government would appreciate it because it tackles issues that we need to work on for the good of the nation.
“The song shouldn’t be viewed politically. I will be happy if it is viewed as setting a pace for a development agenda with emphasis on individual initiative, patriotism and accountability,” explained the artist.
Kalawe said artists have the responsibility to tackle issues affecting the people and the nation as a whole.
“My motto is to change the face of urban music. I chose this path, different from just singing that am the best, which is what characterizes the urban music scene now, am doing music to make a difference,” he added.
Despite being banned from the government controlled broadcaster, the video is getting heavy rotations on private-owned Times TV, Zodiak TV and Luso TV.
Watch Kalawe’s ‘Dzuka Malawi’ music video here:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVuzuTvpjr4[/embed]
Lira[/caption]
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Lulu[/caption]
Lira will share the stage with Malawi’s own crooner Lawrence Khwisa, known on stage as Lulu.
Rated by The Star newspaper of South Africa as the “foremost adult contemporary female solo artist in South Africa”, Lira is an 11 times South African Music Award (SAMA) winning Afro-Soul vocalist whose music is a fusion of soul, funk, and Afro-jazz.
Unveiling Lira at Chameleon during a curtain-raiser show by Nesnes and Eunice Mhango, Head of Personal and Business Banking Margaret Kubwalo Chaika said the bank is proud to be hosting Lira during the concert.
“Lira is a musician who is on top of her game in contemporary music in South Africa. She leads the pack of Afro-pop and jazz divas on the continent and her resume as a platinum award-winning musician speaks volumes about her repertoire,” she said.
In an audio message to her fans in Malawi, released by Standard Bank Lira says she looks forward to her performance.
“This is Lira. I am so excited to be performing at this year’s Blue Mingoli concert on the 24th of October. I have heard a lot about the warm heart of Africa and what it has to offer and I’m truly honoured to be invited to headline this event.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all the supporting acts all of the best. I am confident that together we will give a memorable concert. See you there!” she said.
Chizondi (left) left leading in Mr Bossman.[/caption]
Chizondi, brother to the band’s leader Anjiru Fumulani, thrilled many with his exquisiteness in the performance of the hit‘Mr. Bossman.’
Mr. Bossman is one of the two English songs in the band’s ten-stuffed album.
Fans broke into an extraordinary jovial mood when Chizondi took to the microphone, moving away from the keyboards – his abode.
Chizondi told Nyasa Times later after the show that he was “happy” their fans liked his performance.
He said he has always been “encouraged” by band members to take leading vocals seriously.
The album, which can also be described as full of “surprises”, is their eighth since the death of Evison Matafale – the band leader.
It also features hip-hop artist Annie Matumbi and according to Anjiru the album has sold more than 7 000 copies in a month.
Lucius Banda[/caption]
Banda had a series of concerts in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
According to show organiser Samuel Mwale, the bonus shows will be held Sunday in Malvern Jules and Broadway carwash and Shisanyama in the gold city Johannesburg.
"The legendary musician found it so important to organise a bonus show as one way of saying thanks to the Malawi community in South Africa after giving him a warm welcome," said Mwale
Mwale thanked Malawians in South Africa for turning up in large numbers in all the shows.
He further said apart from launching his 17th album ‘Time', the music icon known as Soldier will also seek to find avenues for distributing Malawian music in South Africa
Lucius , Zembani Band and other supporting artists begin their South Africa tour on Friday at Safari Hotel in Hillbrow, they move to Scallas Café in Durban on Friday before winding up the weekend with a performance at Tijake in Bruma on Sunday.
“The last shows will be held in Cape Town where he will play at Capricorn, Hout Bay, Westlake and Stellenbosch,” added Mwale.
Lulu[/caption]
The show is scheduled to take place at the Chameleon Bar in the capital Lilongwe on Saturday 5th September, 2015 and will start at 8:00pm.
The show is pegged at K2,000.00.
According to the musician, preparations are going on well and that people should expect a wonderful perfomance.
"It is getting more exciting than I thought and I am on intensive practice" Lulu told Nyasatimes on Tuesday 1st September 2015.
Asked on what he has achieved so far in his 10 year music career, the multi-talented musician said releasing hits that captivated the hearts of Malawians and producing songs for big artists are among his achievements.
He further promised to take his music beyond borders.
"I am now matured and carrying Malawi flag to the whole world" said Lulu who has four albums to his credit.
Lulu who now owns his own music band Mathumera as well as a recording studio came to limelight in early 2000 with the hit Magwiragwira.
He then released hits like Mbambande, Bondiya, Ndzalera, Mponyere, Kumalembe and Thupi Lakana among others.
The musician continues to make strides in music as he is expected share the stage with South Africa's award winning vocalist Lerato Molapo at the "Blue Mingoli Concept" organized by Standard Bank on 24th October, 2015 in Lilongwe.
