![Kazako: No story to]()
Private owned Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) has, by
Beyond FM of Lilongwe, been implicated in a scathing transmitter theft scandal which the latter says was orchestrated by the former’s engineer, Solomon Haswell who was reportedly arrested by Police.
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![Kazako: No story to]()
Kazako: Nonsense[/caption]
But both Haswell and ZBS managing director, Gospel Kazako, laughed off the matter in separate interviews .
Kazako told
Nyasa Times that there was “no story.”
Interfering with investigation
However,
Beyond FM director, Patrick Kamwenje, insisted that Haswell dismounted their transmitters in Dowa, Kasungu and Ntcheu.
Kamwenje said that they had reported the missing of two of four transmitters to the police, and that the latter were handling the matter.
“We’re sure of the two because those are the ones are in possession of Haswell. We’ve all evidence regarding this. We’re still trying to locate the other two,” he said.
Kamwenje estimated the cost of each transmitter at about K6 million.
He accused Kazako of interfering with the investigation process alleging that the decorated media owner was “using his influence” to make sure police’s decisions are in his favour.
According to Kamwenje, Kazako was doing all he could to protect Haswell and influenced police to release him on bail.
Said Kamwenje: “He [Kazako] knows about the theft. He is trying to save himself as well as ZBS but the good thing is that we’ve got all the evidence as far as this issue of theft is concerned.”
He promised to send documents with information regarding the transmitters to
Nyasa Times via email. We never got the email.
Kamwenje further told
Nyasa Times what ZBS had done impacted negatively on their business.
“We have lost business because we can’t be heard to several of our listeners,” he said.
No ZBS link
But in an interview Haswell said it was unfortunate that the whole issue was being “linked to ZBS.”
While he said that he really worked for ZBS, he said he was being implicated in the transmitter issue as Hachi-Tech Consultants – a consultancy firm which he owns.
“It is unfortunate that there is mention of ZBS. It was me and Hachi-Tech Consultants. I was hired by Beyond FM to install their transmitters but even after charging them fairly, they still have not given me my money. It is almost about a year now,” said Haswell.
He blamed Kamwenje of not being honest enough.
“He is honest. He knows how many times I have reminded them of a remainder of my payment.
Beyond FM took my pleas with a grain of salt. I have been taken for granted,” said Kamwenje.
According to emails Haswell has shared with
Nyasa Times, Beyond FM still owes Hachi-Tech Consultants K450 000 of a K950 000 fee that was charged.
He confirmed keeping about six transmitters but insisted he had dismounted them because he was “tired of giving reminders” that bore no fruit.
According to an email from Khumbo Sambo of Nile Holdings Limited – Beyond FM partners – request was made to Hachi-Tech Consultants to decommission six transmitters located in Dedza, Kasungu, Dowa and Dowa “at the earliest opportunity.”
Nile Holdings Limited (NHL), we understand, was roped into the Beyond FM deal after Kamwenje had failed to “manage” the radio.
NHL is reportedly said to have procured the transmitters and other equipment of the radio as part of the deal.
“NHL actually owns 59 per cent shares in Beyond FM with only 41 per cent for Kamwenje,” a Beyond FM insider who refused to be named told
Nyasa Times.
The insider added: “Kamwenje and NHL must first resolve their issues before they can start accusing Haswell of anything. There are issues that need to be resolved in Beyond FM.”
Asked why Beyond FM accused him of theft, Haswell said there was nothing like theft.
“What I need is my money. I have no issues with Kamwenje or Beyond FM. It is my money that I want,” he said.
He emphasized that it was a “non-ZBS issue” and rebutted media claims that he had been nabbed by the Malawi Police Service (MPS).
“ZBS allows me to work with my private company. I have worked and continue to work with a number of radio stations including Mudzi and Neno Community Radio,” said Haswell.
He said he has “never slept” in a police cell. “Maybe in the future,” he laughed.
No story
Kazako laughed heartily over the matter saying it did “not make sense.”
He said he found it baffling that his company was being accused of stealing transmitters when he had tens of transmitters staying idle.
“It does not make sense,” he said. “Do you know that we actually lend out our transmitters to other local radio stations for free?”
He added: “I don’t know, but if you asked me: there’s no story.”
Central Region Police spokesperson, Ramsey Mushani, confirmed knowing about the matter but said they were not handling it.
“It is not a criminal case. It is a civil case, and the two sides are sorting it by themselves through their lawyers. We are not handling it,” said Mushani.
Nyasa Times has confirmed that the radio station is persistently dogged by financial challenges. At its headquarters in Lilongwe, the radio’s understaffed personnel work on voluntary basis.
Roy View poses as a model for one of his designs[/caption]
He’s known for songs like ‘Been working’ and ‘Ukhale’ and is currently commanding a massive following amongst the youth.
However, much of the other side of Roy View aka Roy View Banda remains unknown to many. Roy View is yet again one of Malawi’s young entrepreneurs who owns and runs a clothing line called ‘Unique Designs from Malawi’ and is harboring a big vision.
Unique Designs founded November 2014, specializes in both men and women fashion wear with the men’s cloth especially being made from traditional cloth.
Roy View comes up with the designs and works on the garments himself but sometimes uses the hand of a tailor under his employment and supervision.
“I have always had a great passion for fashion and it has always been inside me to do something about fashion.
“But, this idea was conceived in me when people started commending me on the uniqueness of my dressing and as a result of this; I started making my own clothes just to look more and more unique.
“And when I was in school, people were even more astonished by how the shirts were looking. This subsequently gave me the courage to start using this talent as an investment and probably start making money out of it that I started making these garments available for sale,” said he.
According to the dancehall artist cum fashion designer, he has so far received a good response from a lot of people who have been impressed with the garments.
This he said even ignites his desire to take the clothing line onto greater heights.
“I have very big dreams. As of now, I want to focus on Malawi. I want to open a big shop by the end of this year so that people can have a variety of choices from there. Then I will think of opening more shops and employ more people.
“Then later I intend to expand my operations to focus on the rest of Africa and subsequently the world,” said Roy View who has ‘Reformation’ and ‘Heart and Soul’ albums to his credit.
“The only challenge right now is that business is becoming hard due to the falling of the kwacha and this is making prices to rise each and every day. As a result, customers tend to think you are trying to rip them off.
“But all in all, the youth are lo falling in love with my designs and are the regular customers. I am very confident about the success of this venture because if there is one thing I am sure of is that nothing can beat the uniqueness of my productions and soon I will be fully recognized,” said Roy View.--Mana
Tonderai Banda: Valentine concert[/caption]
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Paul Banda: To perform[/caption]
The Balaka-based musician backed by Alleluya band is set to lighten up the mood for lovers alongside gospel music golden boys Faith Musa and Patience Namadingo in a red-carpet event which promises more surprises for the audience.
Organized by Entertainers Promotions, aside from music, the concert is expected to be preceded by a photo-booth.
“Between 6pm to 7pm couples will be allowed to take pictures or have their pictures taken in the photo-booth. And there will be free roses for ladies at the door,” explained Tonderai Banda Entertainers Promotions Managing Director.
Banda said apart from music performance, there will be a cocktail dance as well as a raffle draw sponsored by Blockbuster Megastore.
“There will be an open bar for those who like to drink, snacks and food on sale. This is a different show all together; all along we have been organizing outdoor shows and now we want to offer our fans a different show, a memorable red-carpet event,” added Banda.
Paul Banda is a veteran Malawian musician and elder brother and mentor to Malawi’s celebrated music great Lucius Banda.
He formed one of Malawi's first pop groups, Alleluya Band, in the late 1970's and is now a solo musician and music producer.
Valentines Days falls on 14th February each year.
Lucius Banda: To perform alongside Judy Boucher[/caption]
On Saturday, fans will be treated to a “Be my Valentine” gig at Chez Ntemba and on Sunday, there are two major events, a Dziko FM valentine’s poetry festival at Lz-berg Sports and Leisure Center and Judy Boucher Valentine’s concert at BICC.
FM 101 Power radio DJ Kenny Klips says he is set to invade Lilongwe’s Chez Ntemba with a gig dubbed “Be my Valentine” on Valentine’s eve, 13 February.
Klips confirmed to this publication that all arrangements have been done and Lilongwe lovebirds should expect fireworks.
“As usual I bring a different experience. I don't play sets; I give a performance, a DJ performance to be precise. Am bringing something for everyone,” he boasted.
The Blantyre based outspoken DJ further pointed out that Lilongwe’s Chez Ntemba was chosen because it is spacious.
Asked on why he decided to bring the party to the Capital City, Klips narrated, “As one of the biggest clubs in Malawi we needed a significant space to fit in the masses and Chez was the perfect selection.”
According to the DJ, among other things, ladies will receive a rose flower before 11pm.
The following afternoon, on the actual Valentine’s Day, Dziko FM has organized a poetry festival dubbed “Mchezo wa Alakatuli”, a showdown that will attract various poets from across the country.
According to Dziko FM’s Facebook page, poets Josephy Madzedze, Samuel Josephy, Humble C, Raphael Sitima, Mr. Malawi, Aunt Getu and Atcheya among others are expected to perform alongside Dziko FM’s DJs at the event.
In the evening, perhaps the highlight of all valentines’ events in the city, Caribbean songstress Judy Boucher is expected to perform alongside Musician – cum – politician, Lucius Banda.
Impact Events, the organizers of the event confirmed to local press earlier this week that all is set and Boucher will be arriving in the country on 12 February.
Banda said Malawians should be assured of a live band performance and no CDs will be used.
Judy Boucher (born in St. Vincent in the Caribbean) is a reggae and R&B singer. Her first solo song "Dreaming of a Little Island" was a hit in the reggae charts in 1985, and she is best known for her international hit single "Can't Be with You Tonight", which reached number 2 in the UK singles chart in April 1987.
Lilia[/caption]
The Lilongwe based singer told this publication that she is currently on a break for personal reasons.
“Well I am on a small break due to some personal reasons. But I'll be back later this year with something different and unusual,” Lilia said in an interview with Nyasa Times.
She added, “My last musical project was "crossover". However, it was not released due to some financial reasons.”
Although she doesn’t have an album to her credit, Lilia is not a new face in urban music and show business.
She has also been on Television presenting for Luso TV.
Despite being Gwamba’s backing vocalist on stage for a while, Lilia has worked with several artists including Young Kay, Third Eye, DJ Africa, A.K, Trix, Dominant 1, K2B Block, Dizzo, Harry B and Cash.
“I have been produced by Sonye as well as Pro Pee, BFB, DJ Sley, DJ Africa again shared a stage with Kwaito/House legend Oskido, recorded with South Africa’s Hip Hop legend HHP and Blasto, the list is long but these are the highlights of my music,” she explained.
Third Eye performing at one of his previous shows in Malawi[/caption]
The song “I AM” released on 9 February, was done by American rapper Awkword and it features nine artists from four continents including: ModeNine (Nigeria), Wakazi (Tanzania), Holstar (Zambia), The Assembly (South Africa) and Third Eye (Malawi).
Reacting to the news via Facebook, on Friday Third Eye wrote, “Proud to represent Malawi on a global song both MTV Base and The Source Magazine have already written articles about. Truly, truly I say unto you, some of my life long dreams are coming true.”
In an interview with Nyasa Times on Saturday, Third Eye said through the collaborative song he expects bigger doors to open.
“I don’t do collabos expecting anything except that bigger doors will open. I’m surrounded by legends on that song and these days I’ve been feeling like one too. So yeah, it’s all good,” Third Eye disclosed.
Commenting on recent articles that have been published on well known international entertainment news outlets like MTV Base and HipHopDX, the Malawian rapper explained, “I have always had a great relationship with MTV Base since my days living in Nairobi so I’m really happy that they shed more light on my brother Awkword’s efforts to use hip hop for a higher effort.”
In the song, Third Eye is heard rapping, “The warm heart of Africa, there's never no war/But then we fight against the odds just to even the score/But in Malawi what's war, is adding up all these votes/For these fat politicians never knowing the score...
“…The floods are coming up, because the rain is going down/Thought I was coming up, until the floods came around/Malawi's named after a flame, so just imagine/A flame standing over the flood, and then he drown.”
According to Awkword, “I AM” features 9 emcee sharing truths about their lives in their respective home countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the United States.
“The song will appear on my 2016 EP “Mid-Flight”. All proceeds from the sale of the song will go towards financing the production of its music video so that all the artists featured can truly show who they are and where they’re from,” He said on his Bandcamp page.
Awkword connected with Nigerian born Canadian producer, Teck-Zilla, Nigerian songstress Maka and French DJ J Hart to recruit an all-star cast of emcees to join him on the “I AM” global posse cut.
Apart from the African artists, other artists featured on the song are Latasha Alcindor (USA) and Five Steez (Jamaica).
Listen and buy the song here 
Blacks lose keyboardist[/caption]
Thugo died on Monday at the Mulanje Mission hospital after a battle with pneumonia.
Born on 30th October, 1982, the talented keybodist started his music career in 1988 with the Wailing Brothers before he was roped in to Black Missionaries by the founder of the Blacks band late Evison Matafale.
The reigning Blacks frontman Anjiru Fumulani has described Thugo's death as a great loss and admitted every member is in great pain.
"He has been with the group for years and we are all in great pain" said Fumulani in brief while confirming the death of Thugo.
“His passage is a big loss to us since he contributed a lot to the band. He was talented and we will miss him very much,” said Fumulani.
Wailing Brothers also paid tribute to Thugo.
"Great talent has been lost," said Wailing Brothers Band manager Chigo Gondwe-Chokani.
“He was there in the early 1990’s when the Wailing Brothers was formed. He was there when Matafale formed the Black Missionaries Band, and we wish he were here when the Wailing Brothers relaunch Unfinished Project later this month.
“Simply put, he was talented, yet so down-to-earth and humble,” said Chigo.
Burial programme for Thugo will be announced later.
Meanwhile, condolence message are pouring in through the social media.
May his soul rest in peace.
Angelique Kidjo recieves the award for the Best World Music Album, Sings, onstage during the 58th Annual Grammy music Awards in Los Angeles on February 15, 2016 (AFP Photo / Robyn Beck)[/caption]
Kidjo, Beninese-born singer based in United States, won for "Sings," a collection of her songs infused with Western classical traditions in a collaboration with the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg.
This is the second straight year that Kidjo has won the Best World Music Album prize, after last year's "Eve" that paid tribute to African women.
But despite not winning a Malawian line-up of convicted criminals have been noticed by the world music stage.
The 20-track album, "I Have No Everything Here”, arranged by the US producer Ian Brennan, was recorded during recording sessions in a makeshift studio next to a noisy carpentry workshop at the Zomba maximum-security prison.
Convicted murderer Elias Chimenya on bass guitar, burglar Stefano Nyirenda, and prison guard Thomas Binamo, one of the band's songwriters, are just some of the 60 prisoners, who make up Malawi's Zomba Prison Project band,
"I am a reformed person, and music has helped me to be cool and deal with the situation of being incarcerated for life," Chimenya, who is serving a life term for killing a man in a quarrel, told AFP earlier in Malawi.
The three others in contention for the World Music Grammy were all previous nominees -- satirist Anoushka Shankar, Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil and South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
A visibly happy Kidjo, dressed in a colourful African dress, ran to the stage to accept the award and danced to James Brown's "I Feel Good," performed by a pit orchestra.
She dedicated the Grammy to “all the traditional musicians in Africa.”
"Africa is on the rise, Africa is positive, Africa is joyful," she said.
"Let's get together and be one with music, and say no to hate and violence," she said to applause.
Despite not winning the Grammy, the recognition the inmates have got will spur them on in the music industry.
Ian Brennan, the album's producer and a 2012 Grammy award winner in his own right, told the Associated Press news agency that he was surprised that his "massive, money-losing labour of love" had gained attention on the world music stage.
Malawi Christian rapper Suffix[/caption]
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The awards is hosted by Malawi Association UK (MAUK) an umbrella body for all Malawian chapter and local association and Malawian groups. It was established in 2014 to recognise and identify deserving unsung heroes and heroines of Malawian decency and making a difference in their communities and tirelessly and selflessly work hard to inspire others.
The awards project coordinator Felix Banda says people are purchasing the tickets which are pegged at £60 per head for VIP entry and £40 per person respectively and that they are selling at a lightning speed.
“We are pleased to announce that tickets for this year’s virtuoso Malawi Achievers Awards are selling fast both online and in print and we are asking those willing to attend the biggest awards function to hurry up and buy their tickets in time so that they are not disappointed when the event is sold out. This year, the event is much more bigger and better than before,” said Banda.
Banda said this year’s event has a lot of surprises in stock and patrons to the show will have a memorable night adding that there will be surprise international guest artists and entertainers and the fun levellers will be treated to a sumptuous dinner.
Chairperson of Malawi Association UK, who is also Malawi Achievers Awards Information Technology (IT) director Martin Guga, explained that people have the opportunity to book a table online and at the same time choose where they want to sit.
“We have made it easy for our patrons. This year we will not have problems with people who have standard tickets trying to gate-crush into the VIP. Everything is systematic,” said Guga.
"We operate on no ticket door sales policy and therefore, we encourage all those who want to attend this special event to buy their tickets in time to avoid losing out," emphasized Guga.
Guga said for more information the patrons are encouraged to visit the Malawi Achievers awards webpage on 
Manganya depicting Kamuzu in Kale film[/caption]
Usi, popularly known as Manganya, said the decision to distribute the move free has been made to allow more Malawians, especially the youth, to learn about the life of Kamuzu Banda.
“Although I have invested a lot of money, I intend to distribute the film for free to help people, especially the youth, to learn more about Kamuzu,” he said.
He said the film shooting was completed and that what is remaining are “final touches.”
“The film will be ready this year,” said the comedian.
During the shooting of Kale in 2014, the motorcade carrying Usi took Malawians on the road from Limbe Market to Gogo Chatinkha Maternity Ward at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) with all the ceremony typical of the fallen leader.
There were dances by Mbumba, the party women garbed in cloth emblazoned with Kamuzu’s portrait; traditional performances by Sambang’oma Dance Troupe, sights of bodyguards, police officers and other symbols of power characteristic of the one-party era.
And the pintsized Usi clad in a black Wilson hat and khaki coat stood majestically in an open-roof white Land Rover, waving a fly whisk and surrounded by gyrating Mbumbas as well as grand mimics of the defunct red-shirted Youth League members and Malawi Young Pioneers.
“By documenting the life of Kamuzu, Kale will set the record straight and ensure children born during the multiparty dispensation know where we are coming from,” said Usi.
Kamuzu is the poster face of the self-rule fight that occasioned the hoisting of the rising-sun flag abandoned by the late president Bingu wa Mutharika and reinstated by Parliament when former president Joyce Banda took over power.
Manganya also had some shooting of Kamuzu film in Britian.
According to the comedian, there are critical lesson to be learn from Kamuzu through the film.