![Mte Wambali Mkandawire nominated]()
Malawi’s legendary jazz musician Wambali Mkandawire has earned a global nomination together with online publication
Nyasa Times and a number of Malawians in UK have been nominated at the 2015 Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts Awards (BEFFTA).
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![Mte Wambali Mkandawire nominated]()
Mte Wambali Mkandawire nominated[/caption]
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![Miss Malawi UK orgnaiser Kondi Bowoyeke: Nominated]()
Miss Malawi UK organiser Kondi Bowoyeke: Nominated[/caption]
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![Thungeya: Nominated]()
Thungeya: Nominated in Hair Stylist category[/caption]
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![Sweetjuice: Nominated in Hair Stylist category]()
Sweetjuice: Nominated in Hair Stylist category[/caption]
The BEFFTA is Europe’s biggest award ceremony celebrating black and ethnic personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts.
With over 6000 guests in attendance annually BEFFTA awards, founded by entrepreneur, TV presenter and philanthropist Pauline Long in 2009 is back for the 7th year to celebrate greatness within the African and Caribbean community and fully funded by the media personality.
Wambali has earned nomination in the category of ‘Best African Legends’. Others nominated in the category are Zimbabwe’s legend Oliver Mtukudzi, Suzanna Owiyo, Jose Chameleone, Angelique Kidjo, Iryn Namubiru
Malawi leading online publication
Nyasa Times domiciled in UK has earned nomination in the Best Community News Website category which also has Informer East Africa, Melting Pot, Allafrica.com, CaribDirect, ItzCaribbean, AfroNews, Eco Media, Ugandan Buzz, Misterseed.com, Madnewsuk.com and Nigerian Watch.
From
Nyasa Times, the online publication’s editor Thom Twee Chiumia has earned nomination as Journalist of the Year in a category which other nominees include Malawian London based Vinjeru Mkandawire. Other journalists in the category are : Ayo Akinfe, Phinna Chichi Ikeji, Julius Mbaluto, Alice Ukoko, Regina Jere Malanda, Rodney Hinds, Stephen Ogongo, Gakuru Macharia, David Roberts, Noellin Imoh.
There are other Malawi nominations in the media field. MC Chijota is nominated in Radio Personality of the year category whereas his Pamtengo online Radio is up for an award for Station of the year –which they won last year.
Other Malawians nominated for Beffta awards include socialite Phyllis Sweetjuice and former Miss Blantyre and Miss Malawi UK, Thungeya Nhlane aka Alicia Lady Boss. They are in the category of Best Hair Stylists.
Malawian photographer Davie Sazuze has been nominated for an award as Best Events Photographer.
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![Alexina after being crowned Miss Malawi UK]()
Alexina Phiri, former Miss Malawi UK and trained lawyer: Nominated[/caption]
Miss Malawi UK has picked two nominations in Best Beauty Pageant category which also has Miss Pride of Africa UK, Mr Africa International, Miss Teen Caribbean UK, The Commonwealth Pageants, Miss Congo UK, Miss Black Africa UK, Miss Ghana UK, Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Uganda UK, Miss Nubian UK, Miss Jamaica UK, Miss Zimbabwe UK, Miss Cameroon UK, Mr and Miss Black Beauty Universal, Miss Jamaica UK, Miss Guyana UK and Face of Kenya UK.
Another category for Miss Malawi UK is Best Beauty Queen facing the challenge from Miss Teen Commonwealth International, Miss Jamaica UK, Miss Uganda UK, Miss Pride of Africa, Miss Malawi UK, Miss Nubian UK, Miss Black Africa UK, Miss Cameroon UK, Miss Commonwealth Caribbean, Miss Commonwealth Africa, Face of Kenya UK
Miss Malawi UK organiser Kondi Bowoyeke Munthali has also been nominated as Best Beauty Pageant Director.
Other Malawians nominated are student Rose Mmangisa, trained lawyer Alexina Phiri - the two are former Miss Malawi UK. They have been nominated in Best Former Beauty Queen category.
Dama Phiri of Dama Fashions has been nominated in Best Female Fashion designer.
BEFFTA founder Pauline Long said, “this year is extremely special, in the spirit of giving back to the community everybody including the nominees will receive special prizes.”
The general public can vote through the voting link :
www.beffta.com/voting
Winners will be announced on Saturday October 31st, 2015.
Last year Malawi’s hip hop star Tay Grin scooped a Beffta award.
Busy Signal mist for Malawi Sand Music Festival[/caption]
Despite the hype and confirmation from the Sand Music Festival organizers and Busy Signal’s UK-based agent, Big Base Entertainment, the artist will not perform in Malawi.
Big Base Entertainment Director, Spencer Mutemasango told the local media weeks ago that Malawians should not be pensive about Busy Signal’s availability, saying it was confirmed the artist will perform at the event.
However, Busy Signal’s brother and manager, Gayle Gordon in an interview with Music News dismissed reports that the dancehall deejay is billed to perform for an event in Malawi.
The dancehall artist’s management has been quoted by IrieFM.net and other Jamaican websites revealing that there is no contractual agreement for Busy Signal’s performance in Malawi but confirmed that he will perform in Zimbabwe on October 24.
The news contradicts Sand Music Festival Chairperson, Lucius Banda’s claims that they already signed a contract with the Jamaican artist.
In reaction, the festival organizers dismissed the issue, arguing “that is not the case”.
The organizers have however suspected a communication breakdown between Big Base Entertainment whom they hired to broker the deal with the Reggae Music Again hit maker.
Big Base Entertainment is the one that has also brokered the deal for Busy Signal to perform in Zimbabwe on October 24.
“We believe there has been breakdown in communication between Busy Signal’s management company and Big Base Entertainment. We are working towards sorting out this hitch and we will issue a communiqué to update. Meanwhile, be assured that come October 30, Bust Signal will
perform at Sand Music Festival in Salima,” reads in part a statement from the organizers.
Signal best known for the number one hits Dreams of Brighter Days, Come Over, The Gambler was expected to fly straight from Zimbabwe to perform at the festival. He was expected to be in the country for six days.
Lucius Banda weeks ago told the press the choice of Busy Signal as the headliner of this year’s event was part of the festival’s desire for innovation.
Banda described Busy Signal as not only a landmark for the festival, but also someone who will create opportunities for local artists.
Chidya in the movie[/caption]
Performed in Chichewa language but has English and French subtitles, Mwayi Wotsiriza weaves its themes around sexual abuse of girls and working conditions of teachers in rural primary schools.
In the video clip released by Theatre International, a frustrated teacher named Chidyanji ‘propositions’ a daughter of an economically vulnerable rural woman and impregnates her. The system, already baffled by inadequacy of teaching staff, has to find a way of disciplining him.
The film’s Artistic Director, Chancy Mauluka says through engagement of reason and appeal to sympathy, Mwayi Wotsiriza drives audiences towards reflecting on some problems that demotivate teachers in primary schools alongside sexual abuse of the girl child by the male teacher. And most importantly, it calls for action.
Says Mauluka; “Mwayi Wotsiriza is a tragedy that aims at awakening discussion on issues concerning girls’ rights and basic education in Malawi. It is a film that goes beyond entertainment and quests for solutions.
Apart from entertainment-fanatic audiences, the film will appeal to development-oriented minds as it offers opportunities for facilitating community and social change.”
For the private sector, he added “Mwayi Wotsiriza opens a platform for conceptualizing strategic corporate social outreach,”
Actors featured in the film include Chancy Mauluka also former actor of the Chancellor College Traveling Theatre who featured as Ahedi (Head Teacher) in the once famous Timasukirane Soap by the Story Workshop, Rhoda Malowa of the then Chancellor College Theatre Heights, and Steve Mphonda who has a long history of acting with a number of theatre groups in Lilongwe as well as other visiting international theatre companies.
Mwayi Wotsiriza, written and Directed by the Chancellor College trained Chancy Mauluka, will have first-night screening at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe this Friday, from 7:00 PM.
Door fee is at K2000 and that Theatre International will also sell DVD’s of the film
Lira[/caption]
Announcing the ‘early bird’ tickets, Standard Bank Head of Marketing Thoko Unyolo said the early bird offer provides an opportunity for Malawians to patronise and enjoy the inaugural Blue Mingoli concert.
“As we bring the inaugural Blue Mingoli music concert, we want to ensure that no one misses the opportunity to witness this great event, hence the discount for those who want to take advantage of the early bird offer,” said Unyolo.
The ‘Early Bird’ ticket offer sees the Regular ticket reduced to K8, 000 from K15, 000, the VIP ticket to K12 500,000 from K25,000 and the VVIP ticket to K25,000 from K35, 000.
Standard Bank customers have been offered the tickets at half price of K7, 500 (regular), K10, 000 (VIP) and K15,000 (VVIP).
“This particular offer for customers is valid until October 10. The tickets are on first come, first serve basis, so music lovers should hurry to the nearest Standard Bank branch,” she said.
Between October 14 and 24, 2015 ticket pricing will revert as before the discount offer.
South Africa’s award-winning vocalist Lerato Molapo better known by her stage name as Lira is the headline artist for this year’s inaugural ‘Blue Mingoli’ Music concert with Malawi’s very own Lulu as supporting artist.
Dr Tawanda[/caption]
The artist has since expressed his delight to visit the country with two massive gigs outlined for him in Blantyre and Lilongwe respectively.
Doctor Tawanda (real name Tawanda Kasaira) has won himself the hearts of many Malawians with his hit-song Baba which features Botswana artist Vee Mampeezy and is massively played during social gathering such as weddings, engagements and other parties.
The artist, popularly known in Zimbabwe as ‘Unconquerable’, will perform at Robins Park in Blantyre on 23rd October before hitting Lilongwe Golf Club on 25th courtesy of Mizu Entertainment.
“The contract is already signed; Doctor Tawanda is coming to Malawi and people should be ready to enjoy his scintillating performance,” disclosed Mizu Entertainment director, Emmanuel Maliro.
The Black Missionaries, Anthony Makondetsa, Lulu, man-of-the-moment Nepman and Mizu band are expected to curtain-raise both shows.
In an interview with Nyasa Times, Doctor Tawanda confirmed of his impending shows and assured Malawian audience to expect original stage performance worth their money.
''I can't wait to be in the midst of u guys doing my thing men,'' said the artist.
''Malawians should expect the original singer of Baba and the fat energetic young talented producer and artist of the moment''.
Aside from performance, Doctor Tawanda said was looking foward to work Malawian artists in the likes of Nepman on several projects.
Doctor Tawanda is one of celebrated producers in Botswana and his music is popular in that country and also in Zimbabwe.
He has produced albums for musicians such as Slizer, Charma Gal and Vee of the ‘Taku Taku’ fame. He released songs that are fast becoming anthems in most public places.
Aside from ‘Unconquerable’, other Doctor Tawanda’s most popular and requested songs include ‘Ambuye’ and ‘Hosana’. The musician-cum-producer introduced himself to the Zimbabwean music market with remix of Sungura maetsro by Alick Macheso and he was successful.
Lucius Banda: Mama and Me[/caption]
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Maria Chidzanja Nkhoma: To perform[/caption]
This is one show that promises top class entertainment as the old timers will be meeting the younger generation, united by the beautiful sound of music.
Chidzanja Nkhoma, a traditional and contemporary jazz musician said it was an honour to share the stage with the youthful artists.
“It is an honour for the old to meet the new on a musical stage and in a Mother’s Day event. These young artists all look at me as a mother figure and they incorporated me to represent their mothers and all mothers of Malawi,” she said.
The Mothers’ Day themed event is being supported by Rediyo, an upcoming arts, musicand entertainment mobile application, created and founded by Third Eye, born Mandela Mwanza.
He says the Mother’s Day special will be a game changer and the beginning of an exciting journey for music lovers, fans and fellow Malawian Artists.
Third Eye will on the night perform songs from his upcoming 8th album called “Highly Underrated,” with backing from the Harmless Soul Band and curation by the Chanco Travelling Theatre.
“With a music show fused with art and sports and in a venue like the BICC auditorium, this show will be ground-breaking in the history of music in Malawi,” explained the hip-hop artist.
Tickets for the show are available in Lilongwe at Papaya, City Supermarket, Chameleon and Living Room. They are selling at K10,000 for Standard and K 15,000 for VIP, with VIP ticket holders set to receive a Mothers’ Day gift hamper.
GOtv uses the latest generation digital video broadcast, a cheaper selection of programming from Africa as well as international channels[/caption]
Accoring to a statement , MultiChoice says it reserves the right to add or remove channels when assessing the performance and viability of channels on the platform.
“To facilitate a review of the content and achieve a diverse variety of programming, we took a decision to remove this channel,” reads the statement which announces the removal of OneGospel channel on the platform.
But subscribers have expressed disappointment over the company’s lack of consultation when choosing channels to remove.
According to MultiChoice Malawi Marketing Manager Chimwemwe Nyirenda, the company does not own any channel but only out-sources channels from around the world and puts them into packages to suit a variety of viewing tastes and pockets.
In reviewing the offering, which is done on a continuous basis, MultiChoice ensures that subscribers continue to get a balanced variety of programming.
GOtv was founded in 2013 and it is Africa’s first pay tv operating using the next generation of Digital Video Broadcast standard (DVB).
Mike Akitivi: Ndimathokoa[/caption]
“Ndimathokoza” is a thank you song to the mothers and came out as a time Malawi is readying for the Mother’s Day celebrations mid October.
With multi-talented Lulu on the audio’s production, Mike Akitivi has worked with Shadie Mal on the video, shot in Lilongwe.
This is Mike Akitivi’s second single after “Christina”, a song he featured Lulu and released while he was in Ireland earlier this year.
The artist is back in Malawi after seven years in Europe where he has been residing in Britain and Republic of Ireland. Apart from music, he is also running some businesses in the capital city.
Watch the new music video below:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN7BJ7moPzk[/embed]
Lucius Banda: Busy Signal on for Sand Festival[/caption]
The news will surely put to rest misconceptions surrounding his visit to Malawi and surely his fans will be all smiling as they brace for scintillating stage performance from the dancehall icon set for Livingstonia Beach in Salima this month end.
Busy Signal revealed about his scheduled performance in Malawi on Saturday with the festival organizers also confirming the latest news that a lot of Malawian music lovers wanted to hear.
''Busy Signal Live in Malawi on Saturday the 31st of October.... Sand Festival. HOTTED!! TURF!!'' twitted Busy Signal on his Twitter page.
And Sand Music Festival Chairperson, Lucius Banda while confirming the news said the latest development has proven all doubters wrong.
''We know alot people doubted that he is coming, but we understand Busy Signal being a big international artists there surely must be some doubters. But now all is set, he is coming to Malawi,'' said Banda.
Banda said patrons to the festival should expect fireworks from the Jamaican dancehall icon who will perform with his own band.
Busy Signal is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday October 28th and will perform at the festival on Saturday October 31st before leaving Malawi on November 2nd.
''People should buy their tickets now because we wont be selling any tickets at the door during the festival. This is a show no one would love to miss,'' added Banda.
Banda said in few days to come Busy Signal will release a video and audio promo to cement his coming to Malawi.
Last month Busy Signal’s brother and manger, Galey Gordon in an interview with Music News dismissed reports that the dancehall deejay was billed to perform for an event in Malawi.
The dancehall artist himself also told his twitter fans he was not coming to Malawi as there was no contractual agreement but expressed interest to perform in the country.
And two weeks ago both Busy Signal and the management disclosed that they were in negotiations with the festival organizers.
The festival organizers had suspected a communication breakdown between the artist and Big Base Entertainment whom they hired to broker the deal.
Big Base Entertainment is the one that has also brokered the deal for Busy Signal to perform in Zimbabwe on October 24.
Busy Signal best known for the number one hits Dreams of Brighter Days, Come Over, The Gambler is expected to fly straight from Zimbabwe to perform at the festival.
Banda described the choice of Busy Signal as the headliner of this year’s event as part of the festival’s desire for innovation.
He said Busy Signal is not only a landmark for the festival, but also someone who will create opportunities for local artists.
Dan Lu in Nigeria pictures with Mr Ibu[/caption]
Lufan popularly known as Dan Lu is currently in Nigeria working on a deal with Kcee which will obviously propel him to international stardom.
Dan Lu's Nigerian visit has been trending on social media after he was spotted at that country's celebrity hangout, O’jez in Surulere, alongside his record label, Sisqo Productions owner, Christopher Tochukwu Nwaogwugwu, based in South Africa.
The Part-of-Life hit maker who came into limelight with a song, Shupie, told foreign online publications that he chose to collaborate with Kcee following the rising profile of the ‘Limpopo’ crooner in his country.
“Kcee is making a lot of noise in my country. He’s the right man to start with. I know we have other big artistes including , Psquare, 2face, Don Jazzy, Ice Prince, but I chose Kcee because he plays the same kind of music with me,” Dan Lu said.
Disclosing his mission in Nigeria, Dan Lu said, collaborating with Kcee will not only impact on his career as a musician, but also, it will help to raise the profile of his record label.
He believes his Malawian fans will welcome the collaboration, saying Nigerian music is currently ruling the airwaves in Malawi.
Dan Lu's collaboration with Nigerian artists will not be a surprise as lately he started fusing Nigerian elements in his music especially in his latest album Sorry.
And the development will surely be welcomed by many music pundits as it will help to expose Malawian urban music currently struggling to get international recognition.
Unyolo: Blue Mingoli[/caption]
South Africa's songbird Lira will headline the concert slated for October 24 at the Bingu International Conference (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Lira, rated as the "foremost adult contemporary female artist in South Africa", will share stage with Malawi's own Afro-Pop start Lulu.
This will be the first time for singer to perform in the country.
In order to make this year's concert a success, according to Standard Bank Head of Marketing Thoko Unyolo, the commercial bank has forged partnership with a number of stakeholders including the media.
"We are very excited to be counting-down to the inaugural Blue Mingoli Concert on the 24th of October at the Bingu International Conference Centre.
"Preparations are at an advanced stage, tickets are on sale in all our branches across the country," said Unyolo during press conference in Blantyre.
She said Standard Bank is currently running a 50% "Early Bird" discount offer on the tickets and the discounts categories are for both Standard Bank customers and the general public.
"The general public offer is valid from October 1 to October 14 and sees the regular ticket reduced to K8,000 from K15,000, the VIP ticket to K12,500 from K25,000 and the VVIP ticket to K25,000 from K35,000.
"The customer offer is valid from October 1 to October 10 and sees the regular ticket selling K7,500, VIP ticket K10,000 and K15,000 for the VVIP offer. To all Standard Bank, this is last boarding call for flight Blue Mingoli featuring LIRA and LULU," she asserted.
Unyolo further claimed that over time, Blue Mingoli, formerly "Joy of Jazz" will go down as a unique entertainment event in the history of Malawi Pop Culture
"We at standard Bank are very proud to be associated with pioneering a music concert of international repute such this one.
"Come October 24th, BICC will erupt in a frenzy of the blue sound of music with Lira and and Malawi's own Lulu," said Unyolo.
Lira, born Lerato Molapo, is an 11 times South African music award (SAMA) winning Afro-Soul vocalist whose music is a fusion of soul, funk, and afro-jazz.
She has six albums to her belt, the latest one being the 2014 release, Rise Again.
She started performing live at the age 16 before being discovered in 2000 by musician/producer Arthur Mafokate, who signed her to his record label, 999 Music, and helped with the release of her debut album, 'All My Love' in 2003.
The album earned her accolades at the Metro FM Awards, South African Music Awards and Channel O Reel Music Awards.
In 2010, she joined a line up of artists that included Alicia Keys, Shakira, K'Naan and John Legend, at the FIFA World Cup kick-off concert performing a rendition of "Pata Pata", a hit song originally done by the late Mirriam Makeba.
In December 2011, she was named one of the "Five Unique Artists to Change Music in 2012" by Essence Magazine.
In May 2012, she appeared in L'Uomo Vogue's "Re-Branding Africa" issue featuring UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on the cover where she said "we are a young democracy, and we're accustomed to an image of Africa as a place that expects outside help. We must instead take stock of our situation, become autonomous, find our identity and independence".
Tigris and Gwamba[/caption]
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Third Eye, Chanco Traveling Theatre[/caption]
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Lucius, Wendy Harawa performing[/caption]
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Young Kay, Tigris, Maria Chidzanja Nkhoma[/caption]
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ABC Ballet[/caption]
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Mandela and Nondo[/caption]
The whole production and their performances did not only set the bar high for everyone in the game, but also validated why the music industry in Malawi is worth investing in.
The atmosphere inside the BICC Auditorium was clear that the all-suited-up Soul Rebel Entertainment (SRE) artists, with backing from the Harmless Soul Band, were not in for below par displays.
Perhaps the presence of veteran musicians Maria Chidzanja Nkhoma and Lucius Banda on the line up was the stimulus because despite a “not so impressing” audience, the “MamaAndMe” concert was ground-breaking.
After the ABC Ballet’s showcase at about 8:20pm, the legendary Chidzanja Nkhoma openedthe music performances at the Mother’s Day themed event.
The musician and radio personality was truly in her fabulous form with her iconic act, packaged of jazz and traditional songs “Africa”, “Ndifera Moyenda”and “Mwana wa Mzako”.
She was then joined by Gwamba, Third Eye and Young Kay. The three rappers performed with her special songs done for their mothers, titled “Mlera Nkhungwa”, “I Love You” and “Amazing Grace”, respectively.
After she took a bow to a standing ovation, Mama Maria left the Blantyre lyricist Young Kay on stage and his next song was “Photo Book”, followed by “Anankabango”, “Mamvelamvela” and “Utawaleza”.
Hyphen paved way for Gwamba, and joined by backing vocalists Tigris and Kell Kay, the UNFPA Malawi ambassador had exciting numbers on his playlist.
He gave the audience an energetic display of his hit songs “Ndiyima Pachulu”, “Tikakumane Kumadzi”, “Munthu” and “Ineyo Walero”.
The highlight of the night was Third Eye’s set. The poetic rapper performed songs from his upcoming 8th album called “Highly Underrated”. From his previous albums, he did “Dzuka”, dedicated to his late young brother Stevie.
Curated by the Chanco Travelling Theatre and ABC ballet, Mandela’s set demonstrated how a phenomenon performer he is. It was an“outside the box” gripping performance and the two groups put the icing on the cake and made the show a trendsetter.
Lucius Banda, who was the final performer for the night, said he was extremely impressed.
“As we’re looking at ways of bridging the gap between us the old and the young ones, we have to be innovative.
“I’m deeply impressed with the whole production and I’m happy that these young artists could put up a show like this with no corporate support,” said the musician-cum-politician.
Third Eye said they were not disappointed by the low turnout because they expected it.
“In Malawi people look down on hip-hop and above all, people did not care that we had Lucius and Maria Chidzanja Nkhoma.
“But we’re just getting started, this was our birthday and people should look out for something big,” said Third Eye as he disclosed that SRE plans to roll out nationwide public debates called ‘Why Should I Care’.
The artist will also be launching his mobile music application called Rediyo Music App, which is currently available on Google Play for testing.
Andulire posts Mlaka's photo with Sibo[/caption]
Madison Lounge manager confirmed to Nyasa Times that they have invited the Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts (BEFFTA) award-winning Malawian rapper to perform before its usually large patronage taking advantage of his presence in the UK.
Tay Grin, who bagged the “Best International African Act” in the 2014 Beffta Awards, had come to perform as host of the Miss Malawi UK event on October 3.
The rapper, who boost a Channel O award to his record, said he is humbles to be lined up for a show at Madison lounge.
“Manchester is the place to be on Saturday and Madison Lounge it’s where the fun will be,” he said.
Born Limbani Kalirani, Tay Grin has promised to perform his best.
“This will be an international performance to an audience of people from different backgrounds and I will up my game,” he promised.
Tay Grin, fondly known as the ‘Nyau King’, is famed for a number of songs including Two by Two, The Beach that talks about the beauty of Malawi and the Southern African country’s culture, Moto and Killa which features Nigeria Orezi, off the star’s forthcoming untitled third album.
Namadingo: To drill talent show E-Wallet contestants[/caption]
The competition is scheduled to start on 25th October, 2015 and will be staged at M-Theater located at the Chichiri Shopping Centre in the commercial city of Blantyre.
According to E-Wallet Project Oordinator, Anthony Kafuwa, the orientation training for the contestants will start on 20th to 22nd with Mphande and thereafter, Namadingo will take over until the day of the main event.
"Mphande will drill the contestants on the basics of Voice for building a great singing voice from October 20 to 22.
"Whereas Namadingo will take the contestants through stage management from 23 to the day of the main event" said Kafuwa adding that this is aimed at perfecting the perfomance of the contestants and the entire design of the show.
Namadingo again trained last year’s contestants.
According to Kafuwa, 13 contestants are expected to undergo the voice and stage training and will take place at the Monarchy Lodge.
Among other things, the contestants will be exercised on breathing, voice projection, posture and pitching.
The winner of this years competition will walk away with a Nissan Tilda.
Onesimus[/caption]
Onesimus who came into the limelight while doing secular music but later dedicated his life to Jesus Christ has added another gospel song titled Something About You into his account.
According to the artist who is now doing his ministry in South Africa his new hit is all about boasting about the relationship he has with God.
“Something About You is about the walk with Jesus and how good and great it feels when I know am walking with him. In the song am singing walking with Christ is the ever best thing/ Decision I ever made in life…” confidently explains the artist who is also known as the Major Son.
By growing his wings in the gospel music industry, the new song that has been produced by Dj Megi, a Malawian producer who is based in South Africa will add to his album to be dropped next month. In addition, preparations for its video are under way.
“Am dropping the banger on 
Malawi Sand Festival ready, steady, Senga Bay![/caption]
The festival will this year take place in centeral region lakeshore district of Salima and Banda was speaking this to Senga Bay communities when he led them in a clean up campaign around the area in readiness for the festival which attracts international tourists.
Over 3000 students from five schools as well as villagers swept the road and surrounding areas from Senga bay to Livingstonia Beach for the three day feast.
Banda said this is the opportunity for people around the area and even some companies to make better use of the festival and make business .
"Our task is simple only to bring artists and entertainment to the people and on business that's their issue to make use of it," Banda said
On the clean up exercise, Banda said it's their tradition as they do this e year two weeks before the event to come and clean the area as well as interacting with the people around the area where the event will be.
"It's our culture that when we are expecting visitors in Malawi , we clean the house and that's exactly what we are doing . We welcome our international visitors as well as locals," he said.
Banda said they are ready, steady for Sand festival in Senga Bay, saying they have attracted “ a huge number of international artists”.
He said: “It seems this year is all about convincing people that international artists especially Busy Signal are coming. We are actually counting days so buy tickets.”
Sunbird Livingstonia hotel manager Nedson Chikuta said this year, the clean up Senga Bay exercise will continue even after the festival.
Chikuta said preparations are at an “advanced stage with works on setting up lights starting up soon, while food stalls are done.”
Thousands of fun seekers are expected for the festival this year which takes place from October 30 to November 1.
Jamaican dancehall star Busy Signal is the main international act and will be joined by local artists including Black Missionaries, Lulu, Skeffa Chimoto among others.
Busy Signal famed for the hit, Reggae Music again says he will perform live in Malawi on October 31.
In the video which he also did free styles of his 'Reggae music again and Dreams of brighter days' said "Busy signal is live in Malawi Saturday October 31,Sand Music Festival, everything set, I am gona be there" he said .
Miss Malawi UK organiser Kondi Bowoyeke: Nominated[/caption]
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Thungeya: Nominated in Hair Stylist category[/caption]
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Sweetjuice: Nominated in Hair Stylist category[/caption]
The BEFFTA is Europe’s biggest award ceremony celebrating black and ethnic personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts.
With over 6000 guests in attendance annually BEFFTA awards, founded by entrepreneur, TV presenter and philanthropist Pauline Long in 2009 is back for the 7th year to celebrate greatness within the African and Caribbean community and fully funded by the media personality.
Wambali has earned nomination in the category of ‘Best African Legends’. Others nominated in the category are Zimbabwe’s legend Oliver Mtukudzi, Suzanna Owiyo, Jose Chameleone, Angelique Kidjo, Iryn Namubiru
Malawi leading online publication Nyasa Times domiciled in UK has earned nomination in the Best Community News Website category which also has Informer East Africa, Melting Pot, Allafrica.com, CaribDirect, ItzCaribbean, AfroNews, Eco Media, Ugandan Buzz, Misterseed.com, Madnewsuk.com and Nigerian Watch.
From Nyasa Times, the online publication’s editor Thom Twee Chiumia has earned nomination as Journalist of the Year in a category which other nominees include Malawian London based Vinjeru Mkandawire. Other journalists in the category are : Ayo Akinfe, Phinna Chichi Ikeji, Julius Mbaluto, Alice Ukoko, Regina Jere Malanda, Rodney Hinds, Stephen Ogongo, Gakuru Macharia, David Roberts, Noellin Imoh.
There are other Malawi nominations in the media field. MC Chijota is nominated in Radio Personality of the year category whereas his Pamtengo online Radio is up for an award for Station of the year –which they won last year.
Other Malawians nominated for Beffta awards include socialite Phyllis Sweetjuice and former Miss Blantyre and Miss Malawi UK, Thungeya Nhlane aka Alicia Lady Boss. They are in the category of Best Hair Stylists.
Malawian photographer Davie Sazuze has been nominated for an award as Best Events Photographer.
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Alexina Phiri, former Miss Malawi UK and trained lawyer: Nominated[/caption]
Miss Malawi UK has picked two nominations in Best Beauty Pageant category which also has Miss Pride of Africa UK, Mr Africa International, Miss Teen Caribbean UK, The Commonwealth Pageants, Miss Congo UK, Miss Black Africa UK, Miss Ghana UK, Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Uganda UK, Miss Nubian UK, Miss Jamaica UK, Miss Zimbabwe UK, Miss Cameroon UK, Mr and Miss Black Beauty Universal, Miss Jamaica UK, Miss Guyana UK and Face of Kenya UK.
Another category for Miss Malawi UK is Best Beauty Queen facing the challenge from Miss Teen Commonwealth International, Miss Jamaica UK, Miss Uganda UK, Miss Pride of Africa, Miss Malawi UK, Miss Nubian UK, Miss Black Africa UK, Miss Cameroon UK, Miss Commonwealth Caribbean, Miss Commonwealth Africa, Face of Kenya UK
Miss Malawi UK organiser Kondi Bowoyeke Munthali has also been nominated as Best Beauty Pageant Director.
Other Malawians nominated are student Rose Mmangisa, trained lawyer Alexina Phiri - the two are former Miss Malawi UK. They have been nominated in Best Former Beauty Queen category.
Dama Phiri of Dama Fashions has been nominated in Best Female Fashion designer.
BEFFTA founder Pauline Long said, “this year is extremely special, in the spirit of giving back to the community everybody including the nominees will receive special prizes.”
The general public can vote through the voting link : www.beffta.com/voting
Winners will be announced on Saturday October 31st, 2015.
Last year Malawi’s hip hop star Tay Grin scooped a Beffta award.
Flashback: Mulakho celebrations[/caption]
The cultural grouping, formed in 2007 and headed by Board of Trustees and coordinated by a secretariat , has been holding its annual celebrations on October 25 at their headquarters, Chonde in southern district of Mulanje.
The change, according to their Administrative Secretary, Muchanakwaye Mpuluka, was necessitated by the untimely death of their Board Chair Bright Mangulama.
Magulama, who was career civil servant died in August after collapsing at his home in Blantyre.
"The death of our father and Board Chair (of Trustees) Bright Mangulama paralyzed all the preparations for this annual celebrations. The death also affected a number fundraising initiatives that we had lined up in readiness for the annual festival. We could not proceed with some activities to mourn our dear father.
"As such, we had to move it from the designated month (October) to November 8 to give organizers enough time for preparations," said Mpuluka, disclosing that this year's annual celebrations will consume K80 million.
He said the cultural grouping has received donations in cash and kind from different individuals and institutions.
"In terms of cash, we have about K30 million, but some individuals and institutions committed to provide various services and items including food stuff and vehicles to ease mobility challenges on the day.
"The monetary value for the services and various items we have received is K50 million plus. As such, we highly appreciate the support, donations we have received and we look forward to having successful annual celebrations," said Mpuluka.
He said the annual celebrations promote their culture and brings together all the Lhomwes across the country and beyond.
Mpuluka also said they have extended invitations to other cultural tribes and that the celebrations' itinerary will be ready by the end of this month.
Members of this cultural grouping are spread across the country, but they highly concentrated in the shire district of Chiradzulu, Mulanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Blantyre and Zomba.
Mulhako wa Alhomwe was established (in 2007) by former president late Bingu wa Mutharika to revitalize, preserve and promote culture and customs among different tribal groups in the country and it holds annual celebrations at their headquarters.