![Evangelist Elizabeth Kalonga]()
Malawians in the UK will this Saturday host a fundraising Dinner and Dance in Luton to commemorate World Aids Day and come together to reflect and reinforce their commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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![John Tembo Jnr and Evangelist Kalonga, Betty Makoni]()
John Tembo Jnr and Evangelist Kalonga, Betty Makoni[/caption]
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![Evangelist Elizabeth Kalonga]()
Evangelist Elizabeth Kalonga[/caption]
World Aids Day which falls on December 1st every year is not only a priority for every business and citizen, but it is a core part of the international development agenda.
Deputy High Commissioner of Malawi to the UK, John Tembo will attend the sumptuous ‘Love and Faith’ Dinner and Dance as a guest of honour joining other important dignitaries to reaffirm Malawi government’s concerted efforts, rigorous commitment and unflinching support towards the Sustainable Development Goals in which HIV/AIDS is one of the key challenges.
Speaking in an interview with
Nyasa Times the Malawian envoy to London, Tembo Jr. said the Malawi government alongside its global development partners are committed to drive out the virus to zero adding that efforts are in place to fight the epidemic and the stigma and discrimination.
Said Tembo: “The Malawi government is very much committed in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, putting focus strenuous efforts on the areas where we will have the most impact.”
“The Malawi government believes that the health of its citizens is paramount because only a healthy nation is productive. We encourage people to go for testing so they know their statuses. That is a very important step in the fight against the epidemic,” added Tembo.
Other notable dignitaries at the function which will to be held on Saturday, December 5th 2015 from 6: 00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Sizzall, 40-44 George street Luton, LU1 2AZ include Air Malawi Cargo Country director Steve Msamala, reigning Miss Malawi UK Thandi Mkandawire, local leaders from Luton Town among many others.
Patrons to the fundraising dinner and dance will pay a small contribution fee of £15 per head as entry charge and will be treated to a sumptuous meal and a dance and thereafter there will be an after-party from 11:30 pm until late at the Grosvenor Casino downtown Luton.
The Air Malawi Cargo flamboyant boss, Msamala told
Nyasa Times In an interview, his organisation as a company for Malawians and runs by Malawians has a corporate social responsibility to serve the Malawian people in all aspects of live.
“HIV and AIDS is a global concern and as Air Cargo Malawi, this subject matter is very close to our hearts. The epidemic is a devastating scourge and its impact, the sickness and deaths affects us all in one way or another. If one is not infected then surely one is affected,” said Msamala.
Msamala who is an astute marketer said Air Cargo Malawi was proud to be part of the World Aids Day commemoration whose theme is ‘Getting to Zero’ saying it is always a pleasure to be part of the community it serves
“Air Cargo Malawi is 100 percent owned by Malawians and it serves the interests of Malawians. We are always honoured to be our bosses are. We’re employed by Malawians to run the errands on their behalf and we believe that together in unity we will drive out the HIV virus out,” said the soft spoken Msamala.
On her part, Bradford based Miss Malawi UK 2015 Queen, Mkandawire, who is a second year architecture student at the University of Salford in Greater Manchester said she will use her office to sensitize the youth both in the UK and in Malawi about the dangers of deadly HIV virus.
“I am very honoured to be invited to this important function. As Miss Malawi UK, I have a duty to engage my fellow youth in an awareness campaign. Only an iron can sharpen an iron, they say, and as young person, I can make positive influence for change in behaviours among my fellow youths,” Mkandawire said.
‘Zero Stigma’
According the host Evangelist Elizabeth Karonga, who is also the director of the ‘Love and Faith Project’ the purpose of the event is to encourage HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention adding that during the event there will be guest speakers on various topic who includes; co-host Lady Munya Sajanga, Edith Chikago-Parker, Muzvore Betty Makoni, Prisca Juma-Jere, Elizabeth Chikoleka-Makossah, Lindani Moyo and Mercy Nangwale.
“We invite all Malawians, friends of Malawi and everybody to join us to this great event. “I challenge that we re-think on outdated stereotypes, I challenge that we must challenge myths and be positive about HIV. We must bring stigma to zero and now is the time,” declared Evangelist Kalonga.
World Aids Day has taken place on December 1st every year since 1988 and it provides an opportunity to draw attention to the HIV epidemic around the world to raise awareness, to remember those who died, to show solidarity with people living with HIV, to celebrate survival and health and raise money for HIV and AIDS related causes which include medical and scientific research.
“This annual observance is a day to recognise and thank thousands of volunteers, community members, medical and health professionals and scientists who are working together tirelessly to find safe and effective ways of living a healthy life positively,” said Pastor Kalonga.
Every year World Aids Day events take place across the globe to raise awareness and show support and cohesion for those living with the virus and to impart or share basic level knowledge of how the virus spreads and the risks of contracting it and how to live safer and better.
For World Aids Day 2014, UNAIDS created a campaign around ‘closing the gap’ and has produced resources to support that campaign.
‘Solid Evidence’
World AIDS Day, first recognized in 1988, was the first ever global health day. As of 2012, approximately 35 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS, the majority in sub-Saharan Africa.
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![Miss Malawi UK Thandi Mkandawire will be there]()
Miss Malawi UK Thandi Mkandawire will be there[/caption]
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has caused nearly 40 million deaths globally since cases were first reported in 1981.
In many ways, this is the most hopeful World AIDS Day we have seen in the 35-year history of the scourge that we know as HIV/AIDS. Yet, it is also one of the most challenging, in terms of the work we still have to do to translate scientific progress into more saved lives, fewer new infections and ultimately an end to the AIDS pandemic.
In addition, we now have solid evidence from numerous clinical trials showing that the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP, a highly effective from of HIV prevention that involves taking a single anti-HIV pill each day, significantly reduces an individual's risk of contracting HIV.
The World Health Organization recently responded to these developments by recommending that every HIV-infected person immediately begin treatment and strongly supporting the use of PrEP for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.
According to
newly released numbers from UNAIDS, 1.2 million people with HIV died and another 2 million became newly infected with HIV in 2014. And so, this World AIDS Day, rather than hitting the brakes, we must accelerate our efforts.
Fifteen years ago, when the International AIDS Conference was held in Durban, South Africa, very few people on the continent had access to HIV therapy and few believed it would even be possible to deliver HIV treatment in resource-limited settings.
That conference was a milestone in the history of HIV because it prompted a call to action to urgently bring treatment to developing countries -- and the world listened.
In 2016, the conference will return to South Africa, which is now home to the largest HIV treatment program in the world. Much like its 2000 predecessor, the 2016 conference comes at another pivotal moment in the HIV epidemic and will provide a global platform to raise awareness about the work that remains to be done to make the end of AIDS a reality.
HIV is one of the deadliest diseases humankind has ever faced, claiming 40 million lives so far. But as formidable as HIV remains, we have come too far to allow progress towards its termination to stall.
Evangelist Kalonga called upon Malawians in the UK to join in the cause this Saturday saying it is important that people people HIV and AIDS is devastating at the very root and fibre of our society.
"Armed with correct information, surely we can win this war. We just need to hold our hands together and fight the enemy as a one people," said Evangelist Kalonga, adding "God is love, let us show some love to those who lost their lives and cheer those that are living positively with the virus."
10.6% of Malawians age 15-49 are HIV-positive. HIV prevalence in the Southern Region is about twice as high as prevalence in the other regions. Overall, 12.9% of women and 8.1% of men are HIV-positive.
Malawi is considered a success story in reducing HIV infection rates, passing the tipping point – when the number of people starting treatment exceeds the number of new infections. According to UN figures, between 2001 and 2011, the rate of new HIV infections dropped by 73%. This was helped in part by the introduction of ARVs in 2003, which have slashed death tolls from 92,400 to 45,600 over the past decade.
But, with an HIV prevalence of about 10 percent among people aged 15 to 49. Malawi has the ninth highest HIV rate in sub-Saharan Africa, according to UNAids estimates. And more than 40% of new infections are among 10 to 19-year-olds. The country is heavily reliant on support from the international donors to fund its national HIV and Aids programmes. Any increase in the number of people on second-line treatment could exacerbate the problem.
An estimated 107,800 (95% credible interval 101,600-115,800) people were living with HIV in the UK in 2013. The overall prevalence was 2.8 per 1,000 population aged 15-59 years (1.9 per 1,000 women and 3.7 per 1,000 men.
Globally, 35.0 million [33.2–37.2 million] people were living with HIV at the end of 2013. An estimated 0.8% of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living with HIV, although the burden of the epidemic continues to vary considerably between countries and regions.
Basketmouth to perform in Malawi December 6[/caption]
A pioneer in the stand-up comedy industry in Africa, Basketmouth has gone on to become one of Africa’s most known and loved comics.
Listed as one of the funniest people in Africa by CNN’s African Voices early this year, Basketmouth was born Bright Okpocha in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied Sociology and Anthropology in the University of Benin. He is an accomplished Comedian, Actor and entrepreneur.
He picked the stagename “Basketmouth” because he just speaks his mind unfiltered, without holding anything back – just like how a literal basket doesn’t hold water.
Basketmouth has over the years hosted a number of successful concerts for artists like Jay Z, Beyonce, Boys II Men and Sean Paul among many others.
He was the 1st African Comedian to host a one man comedy concert at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo.and has headlined shows in multiple African countries like Ghana, Kenya and South Africa etc.
Host of his own show on MTV Base, called The Big Friday Show which was a big success and won the best TV Show in 2013, Baskemouth is currently an ambassador forAfrican telecommunications company Globacom and Nigerian airline carrier Dana Air and has shared the stage with other famous comedians like Trevor Noah, Donnovan and David Kau, to mention a few.
Supporting him will be Mbeu “Snooze” Kambuwa, the latest African comedy sensation who recently won Comedy Central’s Grab The Mic Comedy Contest in South Africa, with a special music performance by Malawi’s own hip hop music group Nyali Muzik of the famous “From Malawi” song.
The tickets are available atMK 10,000 for Standard and MK 20,000 for VIP at Ulendo, Foodworths, Crossroads Hotel Business Centre, Papaya, Flavour’sCafé in Lilongwe. Corporate Bulk Tickets are also available via the hotline: +265 11 155 0150 or email sales@qonceptcreative.com
Miss Blantyre seated and her princesses: We are not whores[/caption]
Vanessa Chiutsi and Tunosiwe Mwakalinga, first and second princesses of this year’s Miss Blantyre have since called for a mindset change, saying “beauty models are not whores but partners in development.”
Mwakalinga said: “In fact, modelling is just like any other career that ought to be treated with dignity.”
The Princesses were speaking during their official unveiling ceremony as brand ambassadors of Premier Bus Service (PBS) on Friday.
They expressed concern that the beauty models were labelled "whores” because some others who were in the industry before had misbehaved, saying modelling is a professional career and girls have ethics.
“There is need for mindset change. People need to know modelling girls have good morals,”Chiutsi said.
Chiutsi said parading in bikini or miniskirt flaunting their fresh is part of the pageant trade and does not reflect loose morals.
She said “to mess up in life is a personal choice” and that can apply to anyone and not necessarily models.
Some organisers of Malawian beauty pageants both local in abroad are said to be denting the industry for their exploitation of the models by using them and even not paying their prizes.
Maskal[/caption]
The two singles released on Tuesday are his first project this year after a long silence.
Mnyumba Mwanga- a rhumba tune- talks about a bachelor who rambles about his house not being a home in absence of a partner share with.
He labours to convince a woman to settle down with him and make his home complete as people mock him.
In Gwiritsa, Maskal sings about a relationship which is going through stormy weather and as a man he's restoring hope as he tells his woman to hold on and stay focused because he's right by her side and no matter what they go through, the sun will shine again tomorrow.
"I am happy that finally I have new material out. I took time to put out new music because I wanted to bring something different and unique from what's on the market,'' explained Maskal.
Despite the new music, fans should surely wait a bit longer as the artist reveals his next album will come out next year.
''After close to four years of no full project and I'm sure it will be worth the wait".
The two tracks, both in vernacular Chichewa, are taken from the singer's upcoming untitled album that he has been working on for a year.
''It is scheduled for release within the first quarter of 2016. The project is 85 percent complete,'' he added.
This will be the artist's third album following his 2011 and 2012 releases, "Nthawi" and "Umunthu", respectively.
Namadingo: Launch in Lilongwe and Blantyre[/caption]
Namadingo is scheduled to kick start his brand new 'Lero' album launch at the Comesa Hall on Saturday 28th November, 2015 in the Commercial City of Blantyre.
Thereafter, all gospel lovers will flock to Capital Hotel in the Capital Lilongwe on Sunday 29th November to witness what promises to be a fabulous perfomance.
Namadingo told Nyasa Times in an interview on Tuesday that at both shows, he will perform alongside Faith Mussa of the 'Desperate' hit maker.
"I am very prepared and expect great things to take place on the night of 28th and afternoon of 29th November, 2015," said Namadingo.
Namadingo, who came to light after releasing his debut album titled Goshen in 2007 before releasing Tili ndi Yesu in 2010, said his latest album has one touch and feel no different genres.
He further expressed satisfaction with the way Malawi gospel music is advancing.
"Malawi gospel music is growing and step by step, we are moving" he said.
Namadingo's latest ''Lero' album contains 10 tracks including hit of the moment 'Msati Mseke' currently enjoying massive airplay in various radio stations.
The show at Comesa will start at 7:30pm while at Capital Hotel will start at 1:30pm and at both venues, patrons will be asked to pay K2,500.00.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMBc1FqmhTM[/embed]
Gwamba[/caption]
Gwamba real name Duncan Zgambo joined SRE in May this year- as artist and share holder- two months after he terminated his contract with Prime Time Media.
SRE based in Lilongwe has been managed by Hip-hop artist, Third Eye, Gwamba himself and Chifwayi Chirambo who is a Law practitioner.
Third Eye revealed on Saturday that Gwamba and another artist, Krazie G have left the label.
''We would also like to inform the general public that Gwamba and Krazie G have left Soul Rebel Entertainment both as management and as artists,'' wrote Third Eye on his Facebook page.
''We wish them well in all their endeavours''.
He did not disclose reasons why the two left the label but one of Gwamba's close associates revealed to Nyasa Times the artist grew tired with Third Eye's big-headed behaviour.
''Third Eye thought he owned the whole grouping; it was more of him and others could not swallow it anymore,'' explained Gwamba's associate.
Gwamba launched his album 'Chako Sichanga' last Sunday. He also released a video of Munthu featuring Tay Grin under the same label.
Recently Third Eye born Mandela Mwanza dragged Gwamba and other artists under the label into a scuffle with another local Hip-hop artist Revolver.
Gwamba once described SRE as a youth movement that is there to work with up and coming artist with the aim of uplifting and showcase their talents, and also to bridge for international organisations, branches and corporate to the youth target market.
Great Angels[/caption]
Mwasankha Ine became a record-breaking album in Great Angels’ history after more than 100,000 copies were sold during its launch on January 1st, 2015 at Sheaffer ICA Marque in Lilongwe.
And the grouping has released a 10-track DVD of the album which is set to be officially let out to the public through a series of performances during the festive season, starting this coming weekend.
According to Great Angels’ Music Director William Zonda, the Mwasankha Ine DVD launch tour will start in Blantyre on Sunday 6th December, 2015 at BAT Ground before moving on to Lilongwe on 
John Tembo Jnr and Evangelist Kalonga, Betty Makoni[/caption]
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Miss Malawi UK Thandi Mkandawire will be there[/caption]
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has caused nearly 40 million deaths globally since cases were first reported in 1981.
In many ways, this is the most hopeful World AIDS Day we have seen in the 35-year history of the scourge that we know as HIV/AIDS. Yet, it is also one of the most challenging, in terms of the work we still have to do to translate scientific progress into more saved lives, fewer new infections and ultimately an end to the AIDS pandemic.
In addition, we now have solid evidence from numerous clinical trials showing that the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP, a highly effective from of HIV prevention that involves taking a single anti-HIV pill each day, significantly reduces an individual's risk of contracting HIV.
The World Health Organization recently responded to these developments by recommending that every HIV-infected person immediately begin treatment and strongly supporting the use of PrEP for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.
According to 
Gospel singer Ethel Kamwendo Banda to perform[/caption]
During the launch of the 2015 E-wallet talent show, Patience Namadingo was the guest artist while the arcoustic duo of Edgar and Davis performed at the first eviction show some weeks ago.
Four contestants were eliminated in the first eviction show and this time around, two are to be evicted this is according to Kafuwa.
He said the eight contestants who were released after the first eviction show regrouped on Monday and are camping at Monarchy Sqaure.
Meanwhile voting is still in progress.
The outstanding contestant will win a brand new Nissan Tilda.
Piksy: Nominated[/caption]
The artist, born Evans Zangazanga, has been nominated for “Best Male – Southern Africa”, whose winner will receive US$50,000 (approximately K30 million).
Piksy got the nomination for his first acoustic song “Moto” taken from his 2015 album “Mnthunzi” released on July 4th.
The afro rapper/singer is among 156 artists in 26 categories of the Pan African music awards scheduled to take place on March 20th, 2016 in Windhoek, Namibia.
In the “Best Male – Southern Africa” category, Piksy will be facing competition from South Africa’s AKA, two Angolan artists C4 Pedro and Coréon Dú, Namibian Gazza and Zambia’s Petersen.
Reacting to the news, the unsigned Piksy, who said he was yet to get official communication from the Kora Awards producers, told Nyasa Showbiz that the nomination came as a surprise.
“It’s a surprise. Sometimes you just do music and take it for granted but you get surprised when things like these happen,” he commented on the nomination.
The Blantyre artist added: “I must say I am very humbled that my music, though in vernacular can be recognized internationally. And most of all, ‘Moto’ is the first acoustic song that I have done, and this is a good sign”.
The Pan African Cultural Awards Ceremony rewards artists of African Continent and its diaspora. Founded in 1994 by Ernest Adjovi, they are comparable to the American Grammy Awards in intent.
Since its inception, the Kora Awards have been staged twelve times on the African Continent. For the first ten years, the ceremony has taken place in South Africa. It has since moved to Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. In 2015 the awards reached a permanent agreement to host the awards in Namibia.
Wambali Mkandawire was the last Malawian musician to receive a Kora Award nomination, in 2003 for “Best Southern African Artist”.
To see all the Kora Awards 2016 nominees got to 
Rose Mmangisa wins Face of Malawi UK[/caption]
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Rose standing on a car she won[/caption]
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Contestants in dance routine[/caption]
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Mr Personality Mphatso Mattaka[/caption]
Face of Malawi UK is a new beauty pageant for male and female categories and was launched at Stratford Town Hall with 9 contestants – four men and five women - with one male contestant Enock Banda pulling out.
Sangwani Mkandawire, was judged the runner-up and University of Birmingham nursing student Tamanda Mtumbula, came third in the competition and first among the male contestants which saw Mphatso Mattaka getting the Personality title.
But as Director of the event, MC Chijota announced the judges winner, Mmangisa, the sizeable crowd reacted with mixed feelings; some cheering the beauty queen while others protesting.
“It’s a fix. How could someone who already won a beauty crown be allowed to compete again. This is not fair,” protested Simukonda.
She shouted at the judges who included former Miss Malawi Alexina Phiri, and former TV Malawi presenter Khumbo Kachibekete for being “biased.”
Joining the chorus of accusations were socialite Phyllis Sweetjuice and Mphatso Makwenda - all saying there could be another winner.
But those cheering Rose including fashion designer Dama Phiri, said she was “a deserved winner” and a “perfect Face of Malawi” in UK.
The show started with a spectacular choreographed dance routine, with all the contestants on stage in Malawian traditional costumes .
While beauty remains central to the contest, the men and women taking part were chiefly judged on their talents, the way they presented themselves and pledged involvement in good causes.
Rose , Event Management student at University of Coventry said she was “excited” winning the first ever Face of Malawi UK.
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Judges deliberating the results[/caption]
"I stand here overwhelmed by this honour," she said.
Her mother Beatrice Mmangisa was dancing and singing.
“I am proud of my daughter,” she said.
“When she won the Miss Malawi UK in 2014, I was overjoyed but tonight am very much proud. And she did not get any prize after winning Miss Malawi UK. Tonight we are driving home in a car,” she said.
Rose has a provisional driving licence and gave the keys to the mother who took the car home in Luton.
Beauty Phekani and Sheila Banda Tobie; founders of the contest, told Nyasa Times that while they appreciate that, beauty is still one of the most highly valued characteristics a woman can possess; they decided to involve men to show the beautiful face of Malawi with an objective of charitable works.
They say beauty competitions in these modern days are not only about picking the prettiest girl but it is about so much more than that.
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Rose's mum celebrating[/caption]
“Pageants have really moved on, it is now about who the girls are inside rather than looking at them just physically. And the boys also have the beauty that they can be ambassadors for Face of Malawi UK," said Phekani.
She said Face of Malawi UK is evolving to a charity organisation and would use the title holders to carry its activities in Malawi.
The organisers say they were encouraged by the crowd which came to support them event at its launch and indeed they lived up to their promise with VIP tables getting value for their tickets with more food and whisky.
The also lived to their billing for giving out a car as a prize immediately after the show.
Organisers say they want to set standards and live with them.
Basketmouth performing at BICC[/caption]
He came on stage at around 8 pm and delivered performance beyond people's expectations, there was a non-stop laughter during the entire one hour performance.
Born Bright Okpocha in Lagos, Nigeria, the top comedian proved to audience why he was an obvious choice by the organizers immediately he appeared on stage. His incredible performance began with a joke about ‘stupid’ questions that one ask someone yet knows the answer or what is happening.
And left people laughing their lungs out with a joke describing his preferred kind of music and mood at his funeral ceremony.
Almost everyone was delighted with his sweet jokes, to say the least, as one comedy fan said had enjoyed the show beyond expectations “I had great time and memorable one” she said
Speaking in an interview just after his performance, Basketmouth said was delighted of the warm and encouraging response from Malawi.
“It was lovely to be here. One of the best gigs I’ve done. The audience was very attentive… and that’s what we comedians like.” He said
Sharing what it takes to be a best comedian, Basketmouth while stating that his talent is inborn gift, said a comedian has to be original and hard working “Comedy is a gift if you discover that gift build on it and perfect it. Refine your talent”
Asked if he wish to be back soon for another performance he said “If you want me to come back next month I will come. I’ve got more jokes!” And added “With the response that I have here, am hoping that I will come back”
The comedy gig by the Africa’s most known and loved comics, Basketmouth was supported by Mbeu “Snooze” Kambuwa, the latest African comedy sensation with special music performance by Malawi’s own hip hop music group Nyali Muzik of the famous “From Malawi” song.
Organizers for the comedy show, said were happy with the response from Malawians.
Qoncept Creative Director, Qabaniso Malewezi said; “The response has really been good, we are really happy. We are looking forward to do more comedy events.”
“There are whole bunch of comedians who are looking to come and perform in Malawi and definitely we are going to make that happen from next year onwards.” Said Malewezi
He also urged people to keep supporting the other events happening this month of December, including Dru Hill coming on 12th December and Morgan Heritage musical show on 27th December.
“So I just want to encourage people that this is a festive season lets go out there to all these events and have fun” urged Malewezi.
Zomba Prison Project nominated for the Grammys.[/caption]
Interestingly, it is no celebrated musician nominated from Malawi, but a prison music group known as Zomba Prison Project.
This is a band from the Zomba Maximum Prison, certainly a group not known by many music followers on the local scene.
It is their project “I Have No Everything Here”, recorded in prison, which has been nominated for the “Best World Music Album”.
The album, released in January this year, will be competing against Brazilian icon Gilberto Gil’s “Gilbertos Samba Ao Vivo”, Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo’s “Sings”, South African Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s “Music From Inala” and Indian Anoushka Shankar’s “Home”.
The nomination is historic as they become the first Malawian artists to be nominated for the Grammy Awards, dominated by the world’s top musicians, songwriters, producers and engineers.
There are 83 categories making the Grammy Awards 2016 and some of the world’s hottest musicians like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar received nods for their outstanding work this past year.
Swift took home nominations for “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and many others, while The Weeknd also dominated in categories like “Album of the Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance”. But it was Lamar who led the way overall with 11 nods.
Zomba Prison Project’s “I Have No Everything Here” album, which features 16 singer-songwriters, was produced by Ian Brennan, an American Grammy award-winning producer.
All the songs were written by the inmates, and many have tellingly personal titles like: “Give Me Back My Child,” “I See the Whole World Dying of AIDS” and “Don’t Hate Me.”
According to online sources, Brennan first entered Zomba in 2013 and he was not sure he would be allowed access to record. But after meeting with the head of the prison, the producer and his wife, Marilena Delli, were allowed to set up a small mobile recording studio.
See the full list of the Grammy Awards 2016 nominees: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list
Zomba Prison Project’s music is available for sale here:
Ma Blacks[/caption]
The grouping engaged the Malawian reggae outfit Black Missionaries that performed during the event dubbed as “Legalisation of Industrial Hemp Festival.”
“This is the first event that we have engaged the public face-to-face to explain to them what Industrial Hemp is all about.
“It is encouraging to note that many people are eager to learn and know more about this cash crop,” said chairperson of the forum Sangwani Msofi.
He further said that most of the activities the forum has conducted have been panel discussions and interviews in the media and academic discussions which are largely indoors and engages only privileged members of society.
“The festival in Lilongwe was the first open-air activity that we engaged with all classes of people. We were impressed with the curiosity many had that was generated upon seeing displayed products from industrial Hemp.
“Many were eager to learn more about the cash crop,” Msofi said.
The Kemet chair said the festival has aroused a great drive to conduct more of these activities to reach out to as many people as they can in clearing out the misconceptions surrounding Industrial Hemp.
The Sunday Festival was graced by activist Billy Banda and Member of Parliament for Ntchisi North Boniface Kadzamira who raised the matter in parliament earlier this year. The legislator argues Industrial Hemp as a cash crop has enormous economic potential.
Kemet Forum, whose name means land of the blacks and was the original name for Egypt, has been carrying out activities related to the call for the legalisation of Industrial Hemp.
In July this year, the forum held a seminar at Chancellor College in Zomba under the theme “Demystifying Cannabis.”
Professor of Economics at Chancellor College Ben Kalua made a presentation in which he called for the de-politicisation of the production of Cannabis-locally known as Chamba- arguing industrial hemp has the potential to steer the country’s economy towards recovery.
Phyzix Engagement in traditional style[/caption]
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